No More Mass H-1B Applications: 50% Drop in Filings

The H-1B registration window for FY 2027 closed on March 19, showing a clear shift in work visa trends. Early reports suggest a sharp decline in applications this year.

Immigration attorneys estimate a 30 to 50 percent drop in H-1B filings. This decline follows stricter rules and tighter immigration policies across the United States.

Last year, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services recorded over 336000 eligible registrations. This year, higher costs and new selection criteria have changed employer strategies.

A key factor is the introduction of higher filing costs and a wage based lottery system. These changes have reduced bulk applications, especially from outsourcing firms.

As a result, mid sized IT companies are gaining an advantage. They are focusing on skilled professionals and are willing to offer higher salaries to meet the new criteria.

The updated system also favours candidates educated in the United States. Those with advanced degrees and specialised skills now have better chances of selection.

Experts believe this is not a temporary dip but a long term shift. Companies are moving towards quality hiring instead of large scale filings.

Even if policy changes occur in the future, this trend may continue. Employers are adapting to a system that rewards higher wages and specialised talent.

Indian professionals, who form a large share of H-1B workers, may face fewer opportunities. The era of mass applications appears to be ending, with a more selective system taking its place.