H-1B visa registrations drop 27% due to the Fee Hike

USCIS data reveals a prominent 26.9 per cent drop in H-1B visa registrations for FY 2026, totalling 3.58 lakh, attributed to stricter policy enforcement, increased fees, and fraud investigations. With 120,141 registrations selected, the program's changing landscape prompts some to explore opportunities in countries like Australia and Germany, which impact the flow of Indian students to the US.

According to new data released by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the number of H-1 B visa cap registrations for FY 2026 has declined significantly. This marks a 26.9 per cent fall from the 4.78 lakh entries received in 2025. Compared to FY 2024, this marks a sharp drop of over 54 per cent.

Of the total registrations this season, 120,141 have been selected for the next stage. The H-1B program allows 85,000 work visas each year, including 20,000 reserved for applicants with US master's degrees. The programme remains vital for Indian IT professionals and US tech employers.

The USCIS attributed the lower registration numbers to recent policy enforcement changes in the registration process and increased costs. The agency has taken action against fraud, particularly targeting duplicate entries. "Based on evidence from the FY 2023 and FY 2024 H-1B cap seasons, we undertook extensive fraud investigations, denied and revoked petitions accordingly, and continue to make law enforcement referrals for criminal prosecution," USCIS said in an official statement.

The statement added: "We are also reviewing the FY 2025 and FY 2026 data for any attempts to gain an unfair advantage through the beneficiary-centric selection process." The agency will continue enforcing petition denials, revocations and cultural referrals.

The most notable policy change this year was the increase in the registration fee from $10 to $250. This cost shift has deterred some potential applicants, particularly international students and early career professionals. The enhanced mood around H1B also leads some to explore options outside the US. Countries like Australia, Germany, and the UAE are gaining attention. These developments may alter the flow of Indian students to the US.

The American Dream of immediate employment at a high salary with full sponsorship of an H1B visa will elude most international students.

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H-1B Visa Registrations Drop 27% Due To The Fee Hike

News Source : Economic Times