Media Note
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
November 16, 2007
Department of State Issues Record Number of Visas to Students to Study in the United States
We are pleased to mark the end of International Education Week, November 12 - 16, by announcing that the Department has
issued a record number of visas to students to study in the United States, exceeding pre-9/11 levels. During Fiscal Year
2007, the Department issued more than 651,000 student and exchange visitor visas - 10 percent more than last year and
90,000 more than were issued in Fiscal Year 2001.
As Secretary Rice has noted, "In this celebration of international education and exchange, the U.S. Department of State
joins with the U.S. Department of Education to highlight the critical role of education in our efforts to secure a
bright future based on international partnership and understanding."
The number of foreign students attending American institutions of higher learning continues to grow and the Department
of State, in partnership with the Institute of International Education, academic institutions, and American colleges and
universities, continues to spread the word to international students that we welcome them. Embassy and consular
officials meet with prospective foreign students to explain the student visa application requirements and process and
they participate in overseas college fairs providing information about education opportunities available in the United
States.
All consulates offer special appointments in an effort to ensure that foreign students do not miss their classes in the
United States while waiting for a visa interview. International students have heard us and are choosing the United
States as a premier destination for higher education.
2007/1014
Released on November 16, 2007
ENDS