US visas in 2025 – What you should know and why the US is still the #1 destination for international dentists

Yes, visa policies may shift and headlines may sound alarming, but such changes are not new—they’re simply more visible now.

“It’s our honour to have them, frankly, we want to have foreign students, but we want them to be checked.” – Donald Trump. On Friday, the 7th of June.

This proclamation by Trump is the latest development in the long-winding saga that has been unfolding over the last few weeks. What started as uncertainty in the preceding couple of months reached its crescendo on May 27th, 2025, when the US government announced that they were temporarily pausing all student visa appointments globally.

The question on everyone’s minds is, should you see this Trump quote as the light at the end of the tunnel? Or should you take it with a grain of salt?

Before we dive into the heart of the topic, let us first address one of the biggest concerns making the rounds – stories of students being deported or denied visas over minor issues. Yes, enforcement has become stricter, and even minor violations have been flagged. But this is neither widespread nor unprecedented. These actions are typically rooted in non-compliance with visa rules, not a broader rejection of international students. Importantly, for the readers of The Dental Tribune, there have been no publicly documented cases of these measures targeting students enrolled in dental programmes. This is not to say that the field is immune to stricter measures, but the government's scrutiny seems to be focused on fields that are easily replaceable by the local American population, not a highly skilled field like dentistry.

While the current geopolitical climate calls for a more cautious and well-planned approach to your future in the US, the reality is that the US is still the premier global destination for dental education and practice. Unexpected changes in visa policy are not new; they’re just under a brighter media spotlight now. Our advice, as India’s only career consultancy focused exclusively on overseas dentistry, is to face your fears with facts.

The Global Appeal of American Dental Education

Due to the gold standard of research, innovation, and clinical practice upheld by American dental schools, the Advanced Standing DDS (aka DDS, DMD, and IDP) and other dental degrees such as residencies, AEGD, etc., command the highest respect and recognition worldwide. Most US degrees are valid in Canada with minimal paperwork required. Add to this the numerous mutual recognition agreements between the US or Canada and countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland – and US-trained dentists can practise in these nations with fewer steps. US dental qualifications are also highly favoured in the Gulf countries, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Why the US Will Continue to Rely on Indian Dental Talent in the Years to Come

With an ageing population and increasing research-led focus on the connection between oral and systemic health, the US has seen rising demand for dentists. Factoring in these and other aspects in its latest Occupational Outlook report, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 19 per cent job growth for dentists, significantly above the average for most other professions, even within healthcare. Even the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), another US government body, estimated a shortfall of over 10,000 dentists to fill the gaps in their existing dental health professional shortage areas.

Combining these needs of the country with the fact that Indian dentists make up the largest pool of international talent in US dental schools, the smart choice for those planning to study dentistry in the USA, is to weather the current storm and keep your journey on course.

The Current US Visa Landscape for Indian Dentists – A Short Recap

The issuance of visa appointments has been paused— temporarily. This is not a permanent measure; rather, it is a procedural step to allow the US government to implement renewed applicant scrutiny measures.

This policy does not impact:

• Those who have already been granted visas.
• Those on H-4 (dependent or spouse visas) or EB-2/EB-1 (employment-based visas) are completely unaffected.
• Those with a scheduled visa appointment. All appointments remain valid. In fact, all of our candidates who fall under this category have successfully gotten their visas approved in the last couple of weeks!

So, who does this temporary pause impact?

These changes should concern those who are applying for an F, J, or M visa and do not yet have their visa appointment scheduled.

One major update is the mandatory vetting of social media activity for all applicants. While online scrutiny is not new, it was previously conducted selectively or in suspicious cases. The new process will be powered by AI-driven systems. This shift partly explains the need for the temporary pause.

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), has reiterated that “the welfare of Indian students abroad remains a top priority for the Government of India.” The MEA has publicly appealed to the US government to “ensure timely issuance of student visas based on merit.” These statements should reassure applicants that their problems are seen by the powers that be and that diplomatic channels are actively working for a quick resolution in their favour.

Exploring Short-Term Options on Tourist Visas

Those with active tourist visas for the US might find themselves in a preferential position. Attending short-term courses, volunteering or shadowing in dental schools and clinics, or even appearing for the INDBE (which can also be taken in Canada) are just some options that are perfectly acceptable on a tourist visa. These short-term opportunities allow you to build strong profiles and make the most of your access to the US during these times.

Navigating Common Visa Situations

Visa-related issues can feel overwhelming, but many are quite manageable. Here are common scenarios and our advice:

• I’ve received my I-20, but there are no visa slots available:
  Complete your visa application, pay your SEVIS fee, and be ready to book an appointment as soon as they open up. Monitor all US consulate websites and socials and UStraveldocs.com, and join Telegram/WhatsApp alert groups. If your programme start date is close, request a deferral – universities are usually cooperative in such trying times.
• I have a visa appointment. Should I be worried?
  No! Instead, take this time to prepare your documents and practise for your F-1 visa interview with expert help.
• My F1 visa was previously refused:
  You can reapply. Update your DS-160 form, address past gaps, and approach the interview with renewed confidence. A previous refusal does not mean automatic rejection.
• Can I join another programme in the US after my programme ends?
  Yes! If your F-1 visa remains valid during the second programme. You will need to transfer your SEVIS record from the first programme to the second. Work with the international student offices in both schools to ensure compliance.

Tips to Maximise Your Chances for Visa Success

• Start early and plan for delays.
  For those who have not yet started down the road of their American Dream, starting early and being proactive is the best way you can ensure you stay on track, regardless of any unforeseen delays.
• Maintain a clean digital and social media presence.
  US authorities may view politically charged social media activity unfavourably. Whether a post is meant to support or oppose a particular topic of interest for the government (Israel-Palestine, Trump-Biden, Republican-Democrat, etc), it is best not to post, like, or comment on posts that are political hot topics. Even sharing someone else’s posts can be viewed as an endorsement. In fact, it is advisable to do a systematic review of your digital footprint and edit or delete any activity that could potentially land you in trouble.
• Seek professional application and interview preparation guidance.
  Now, more than ever, it is important to strike the right balance in your applications and in your visa and university interviews. Although the processes have not changed, what goes into your application and how it is presented can benefit greatly from a professional touch.
• Seek professional visa guidance.
  Rather than risking your future over a technicality in paperwork that could lead to a rejection, it is preferable to seek professional help.

Final Words: Replace Uncertainty with Strategy

Yes, 2025 is a year of policy changes. But it is also a year of clarity, opportunity, and well-thought-out strategies. Our motto, "Dream Big", has never been more relevant!

Regardless of all that is in flux, what has not changed is that the US remains the gold standard for dental professionals. To tackle the higher stress of the times, all that is needed is a strong support and guidance system, to stay nimble and adaptable, and to focus on informed decision-making.

Authors:

Dr. Kosha Timbadia is the Founder & Head Counsellor at Dental Window. For over 10+ years, she has guided 1000+ dental students and professionals in selecting the right match for their career aspirations and helped them achieve their dreams.

Yusuf Dadarkar is the Co-Founder, Content & Business Head at Dental Window. When he’s not untangling visa chaos or decoding US policies, Yusuf spends his time turning confusion into clarity, and hesitation into confident action – one dentist at a time.

At Dental Window, we help with:

• Selecting the right global destination (USA, Canada, UK, UAE, Australia, and more)
• Selecting the right programmes aligned with career goals
• INBDE preparation
• Building strong, successful applications
• Preparing for university and visa interviews

The road is still open. And we’re here to walk it with you!

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