Registration for the H-1B visa in the US fiscal year 2027 has declined significantly. Experts estimate that the number of applications has fallen by around 30 to 50 percent compared to 2025. The main reasons are higher visa fees and uncertainty following changes to the selection process. The registration period ran from March 4 to March 19, 2026, after which the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) begins the selection process, choosing applicants through a lottery based on electronic registrations.
Many employers acted cautiously this year and chose not to participate. Some immigration attorneys report a drop in filings of up to 50 percent, while others estimate the decline at around 30 percent. At the same time, there is a shift in the composition of applicants: small and medium-sized companies are participating more than before, as they expect better chances under the revised system. Employers are also increasingly focusing on higher-paying positions to improve their chances of selection.
Applicants with US master’s degrees and highly skilled professionals are benefiting in particular, as the system is increasingly geared toward well-paid, specialized roles. Overall demand for skilled workers remains stable but is becoming more targeted. In contrast, large IT outsourcing firms and start-ups, which often offer lower entry-level salaries, are among the hardest hit by the decline. Sectors that traditionally pay less, such as the non-profit sector, are also losing competitiveness in the more wage-based selection system.
Due to the lower number of registrations, a second selection round is currently not expected. Such a round is typically held if the annual cap is not reached. The cap remains at 85,000 visas, including 65,000 for regular applicants and 20,000 for those with a US master’s degree. In the previous year, more than 336,000 valid registrations were recorded. Selected applicants for 2027 are expected to be notified by March 31, 2026. Overall, the trend indicates a structural shift in the H-1B system, with fewer applications, more targeted selection criteria, and increased opportunities for smaller employers.
Source: Firstpost