BEIJING, Oct. 26 -- The number of students applying for U.S. visas has returned to pre-Sept. 11, 2001 levels this year for the first time since the terrorists' attacks on New York and Washington, officials from the U.S. Consulate General announced Wednesday.

    Student visa applications have increased 40 percent over the past year, officials said.

    The consulate issued nearly 12,000 student visas for the fiscal year running from Oct. 2005 to Sept. 2006, with about 87 percent of applications approved.

    Currently, more than 65,000 Chinese students are studying in the United States, most of whom are graduate students. Almost five percent of all graduate students in the United States are Chinese.

    "We welcome Chinese students. They bring a diversity of ideas and culture," said consulate official Charles Jess.

    "The U.S. government believes Chinese students will return to their country to become leaders in their vocations and help enhance mutual understanding," Jess added.