H-1B Visa: Changes in Demand and Selection

The H-1B visa, vital for U.S. companies in sourcing skilled professionals from abroad, particularly benefits sectors like technology, healthcare, and education. Its demand has led to the implementation of a lottery system by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to manage the selection of candidates fairly. Notably, there has been a decline in the number of H-1B registrations, with figures falling from 758,994 in FY 2024 to 442,000 for FY 2026, marking a significant drop in interest or availability for this route.

In a bid to streamline the H-1B visa lottery process and make it more equitable, USCIS introduced a beneficiary-centric system, ensuring that each candidate is entered into the lottery only once. This move has notably increased the chances of selection to 40%, up from the previous 30%. Additionally, to manage operational costs and dissuade frivolous applications, there's been a considerable hike in the registration fee for H-1B visas, from a mere $10 to $215.

Starting from April 1, 2025, employers whose candidates have been picked in the lottery have a 90-day time frame to submit their petitions. This structured timeline underscores the importance of preparedness among companies seeking to hire foreign talent. The fluctuation in the denial rates of H-1B petitions over the years reflects the changing landscape of immigration policies, with a noted increase in rejections in 2018 due to stricter regulations. However, by 2024, a decline in denial rates was observed, especially among large corporations equipped with robust legal teams.

The dominance of the technology and science fields in the H-1B approval rates underscores the critical role this visa plays in filling specialized positions within these industries. Following closely are the education and healthcare sectors, further highlighting the H-1B program's contribution to addressing talent shortages across critical areas of the U.S. economy.

To sum up, the H-1B visa program continues to be a cornerstone for U.S. employers in attracting top-tier talent from around the globe, despite recent adjustments in registration numbers, fees, and selection processes. Its enduring significance across tech, healthcare, and education sectors showcases its role in bolstering the U.S. workforce with skilled professionals.