News Summary
Calvin University in Grand Rapids is experiencing significant enrollment challenges for its international student program this fall due to visa processing delays. The institution expects to welcome only 150 international students, drastically below expectations, as 65 students face complications with visa approvals following a pause by the U.S. Department of State in visa interviews. This situation reflects a broader trend affecting many U.S. universities and could lead to major economic losses.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Calvin University is facing significant challenges in enrollment for its international student program this fall as visa processing delays hinder the acceptance of many prospective students.
This year, the university is set to welcome approximately 150 international students, a figure that falls short of its expectations due to an unprecedented number of visa delays. Specifically, 65 international students have been unable to enroll because of complications in securing visas, which marks a notable increase compared to previous years. These delays have been attributed to a pause in the scheduling of visa interviews by the U.S. Department of State, instituted on May 27, as part of a review of social media screening processes. This interruption occurred during a critical period just before the start of the academic year, impacting many students’ ability to obtain the necessary documentation for their studies.
Lauren Jensen, vice president for enrollment strategy at Calvin University, has indicated that these visa-related challenges are not isolated incidents but rather reflect a larger national trend affecting many institutions of higher education across the United States. NAFSA, an organization that focuses on international education, has estimated that the U.S. could see up to 150,000 fewer international students arriving this fall, resulting in a potential economic loss of nearly $7 billion nationwide and approximately $229.8 million in Michigan alone.
Kofi, a trilingual computer science major from Ghana and a junior at Calvin University, shared his experience regarding the extensive 11-month visa application process he underwent after his initial visa was rejected. With the support of Calvin University, Kofi successfully obtained his visa on the second application attempt. His story underscores the broader struggles faced by many students navigating the complex and often lengthy visa process.
The standard visa appointment deadline for students is August 15, meaning that many affected by the delays are running out of time. As the university’s admissions team grapples with the uncertainty of visa processing timelines, they remain hopeful that some of the students affected may opt to enroll in the spring semester instead.
Calvin University’s total enrollment for the 2024-25 academic year stands at 3,681 students, with an initial goal of 1,100 new students for the fall semester. In light of the challenges posed by visa delays, the university is implementing new recruitment and retention strategies. One key initiative is the Knight Promise, which offers renewable financial aid ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 based on academic performance for up to five years. This program aims to attract international students who may be deterred by the increased costs of education due to financial hardships stemming from the visa issues.
The impact of larger universities across the U.S. accepting international students with last-minute placements has also placed pressure on Calvin University’s enrollment figures and strategy. Compounding these challenges, a travel ban imposed by the previous administration on June 4 further limited visa issuance from 19 nations, creating additional obstacles for specific countries seeking to send students abroad.
Despite these challenges, Calvin University actively seeks to advocate for international students affected by changing immigration policies while maintaining its commitment to a diverse student body. Jensen noted that the university enjoys a strong international reputation and continues to attract interest from prospective students, even amidst the current difficulties in visa processing.
As Calvin University navigates this turbulent landscape, its dedication to supporting international students and adapting to new educational and regulatory challenges remains evident.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
GVSU Welcomes Largest Freshman Class During Move-in Weekend
Growing Enrollment at Grand Rapids Community College
Visa Revocations Impact International Students in Michigan
Additional Resources
- MLive: Visa Pause and International Students
- Wikipedia: International Students in the United States
- KJCT: Decrease in International Students
- Google Search: International Students Visa Processing Delays
- Big Rapids News: Financial Struggles of Colleges
- Google Scholar: International Education Visa Impact
- Wood TV: Visa Revocations at GVSU
- Encyclopedia Britannica: International Education
- Grand Rapids MN: Drop in International Students
- Google News: International Students Visa Delay
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
