H-1B visa registrations drop 27% due to fee hike and policy changes
The number of
H-1B visa
cap registrations for FY 2026 has declined significantly, according to new data released by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (
USCIS
). Only 3.58 lakh registrations were submitted this year, marking a 26.9% fall from the 4.78 lakh entries received in 2025. Compared to FY 2024, this marks a sharp drop of over 54%.
Out of the total registrations this season, 120,141 have been selected for the next stage. The H-1B programme 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.
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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 said it will continue strict enforcement, including petition denials, revocations, and criminal referrals.
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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 changing mood around H-1B is also leading 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 H-1B visa will elude most foreign students.
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