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H-1B visa second lottery: US hits FY2026 H-1B visa cap; only exempt petitions to be accepted now

H-1B visa second lottery: US hits FY2026 H-1B visa cap; only exempt petitions to be accepted now

Economic Times6 days ago
iStock The United States has reached the limit for H-1B visa petitions for the 2026 fiscal year. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Thursday confirmed that it has received enough applications to fill both the 65,000 visas under the regular cap and the 20,000 slots reserved for applicants with US advanced degrees.A total of 120,141 registrations were selected during the initial round from 118,660 unique beneficiaries. Only those selected are now eligible to file a full H-1B petition for FY2026. USCIS has closed the cap intake and will now only accept cap-exempt petitions.
USCIS also confirmed a significant drop in the number of registrations this year. The agency received 343,981 eligible registrations for FY2026—down 26.9% from 470,342 the previous year. There was also a sharp decline in multiple registrations per beneficiary, falling to 7,828 from 47,314 in FY2025. The average number of registrations per beneficiary decreased to 1.01 this year from 1.06 last year. About 57,600 unique employers participated in this cycle, slightly up from 52,700 in FY2025. The number of eligible unique beneficiaries also dropped sharply to approximately 339,000 from 442,000 last year. This chart shows registration and selection numbers for fiscal years 2021-26: Cap Fiscal Year Total Registrations Eligible Registrations* Eligible Registrations for Beneficiaries with No Other Eligible Registrations Eligible Registrations for Beneficiaries with Multiple Eligible Registrations Selected Registrations 2021 274,237 269,424 241,299 28,125 124,415 2022 308,613 301,447 211,304 90,143 131,924 2023 483,927 474,421 309,241 165,180 127,600 2024 780,884 758,994 350,103 408,891 188,400 2025 479,953 470,342 423,028 47,314 135,137 2026 358,737 343,981 336,153 7,828 120,141 * The number of eligible registrations does not include duplicate entries, registrations withdrawn by the employer before the deadline, those rejected due to invalid passport or travel document details, or submissions with unsuccessful payment transactions. Those under cap-exempt categories can still apply However, USCIS clarified that it will still process petitions that fall under cap-exempt categories. These include petitions for current H-1B workers who have already been counted under previous years' caps and retain their cap number.Petitions will continue to be accepted in the following cases: To extend the stay of an H-1B worker in the US
To change the terms of their employment
To allow a worker to change employers
To enable concurrent employment in an additional H-1B role
Electronic registration, fraud checks, and attestation rules To submit a petition for a cap-subject H-1B visa, employers must first complete an electronic registration and pay a non-refundable fee per applicant. Each registration must include accurate passport or travel document details. This process aims to reduce paperwork and streamline selection. USCIS reiterated that any duplicate registration, invalid passport entry, or false attestation disqualifies the registration. Every petitioner must attest that the job offer is legitimate and that no collusion exists with other entities to increase selection chances. Registrants who violate these rules risk denial, revocation, or even criminal referral.'If we find that this attestation was not true and correct, we will find the registration to not be properly submitted,' USCIS said. The agency has carried out investigations based on past violations and will continue to do so for FY2025 and FY2026.The H-1B program allows US companies to hire foreign workers in specialised roles such as IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance. The current cap cycle does not affect those already counted under previous years' caps. USCIS will continue accepting petitions for these workers in cases of extensions, employer changes, or concurrent roles.
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Not just a job: 9 careers Gen Z is preferring over the 9–5
Not just a job: 9 careers Gen Z is preferring over the 9–5

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Not just a job: 9 careers Gen Z is preferring over the 9–5

Credit:iStock For Gen Z, the classic image of success, a 30-year tenure, a gold watch, a pension, feels more like a cautionary tale than a dream. This is a generation that watched their parents navigate layoffs, burnout, and economic recessions. In response, they've decided to redefine what work means altogether. Instead of climbing corporate ladders, Gen Z is opting to build their own scaffolding, fueled by autonomy, creativity, and a sharp instinct for digital opportunity. The careers they're choosing don't always come with corner offices or retirement plans. But they offer something more compelling: control. Here are 9 careers Gen Z is gravitating toward—each a mirror reflecting their priorities, values, and unrelenting desire to live on their own terms. Freelancer Gone are the days when freelancing was seen as a fallback. For Gen Z, it's the future. Whether they're juggling graphic design, copywriting, video editing, or consulting gigs, Gen Z freelancers are building portfolio careers that prioritize diversity of income over job security. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr have become launchpads, not side hustles. Many now work full-time hours—on their own terms. Social Media Manager Raised on TikTok and trained by algorithms, Gen Zers have turned their native fluency in digital culture into a strategic career path. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock You Reportingly Undo Social media managers are no longer interns—they're brand architects. This role lets them blend creativity with analytics and often offers what they value most: remote work, flexible schedules, and constant evolution. Content Creator/Influencer Dismissed by some as frivolous, the influencer career is nothing short of digital entrepreneurship. A majority of Gen Z say they'd pursue it if given the chance. It's not just about likes—it's about leverage. With followers come sponsorships, affiliate income, brand deals, and even product lines. They don't just create content—they monetize trust. Podcaster Gen Z understands something traditional media forgot: voice matters. Podcasts give them an uncensored space to build community, explore niche interests, and create monetizable platforms. With minimal start-up costs and endless scalability, podcasting is their way of owning the airwaves—no gatekeepers, just grit and a mic. Digital Nomad/Remote Specialist Why stay in one place when the world is Wi-Fi connected? Gen Z is drawn to roles in marketing, software, design, and data analysis that allow them to work from anywhere. They see offices as optional, not essential—and for many, a beach in Bali beats a break room. Online Educator/Coach This generation doesn't wait for institutions to validate their skills. Many are turning what they know—be it fitness, language, finance, or coding—into courses, coaching programmes, and paid communities. They aren't just students of the internet. They're its professors. Startup Founder Instead of climbing a ladder, Gen Z prefers to build the building. With access to low-cost tools, digital mentors, and crowdfunding platforms, many are launching startups straight out of dorm rooms—or even bedrooms. They're not afraid of risk. They're afraid of regret. UX/UI Designer In an age of digital experience, Gen Z is gravitating toward design roles that blend aesthetics with problem-solving. UX/UI designers sit at the intersection of function and feeling, and Gen Z—with its intuitive sense of user experience—fits right in. It's tech, but human. And that's exactly their style. Virtual Assistant Behind many entrepreneurs and executives is a virtual assistant handling calendars, emails, content, and operations. For Gen Z, this job is a quiet powerhouse: it offers flexibility, skill growth, and a gateway into larger business ecosystems. It's often remote, scalable, and surprisingly lucrative. Sustainable Creator/Climate Innovator Gen Z doesn't just want income—they want impact. Careers in sustainability, whether in eco-entrepreneurship, climate content creation, or circular design, are capturing their imagination. They're not waiting for corporations to go green. They're building the green economy themselves. The common thread: Freedom, not fear What unites these diverse career paths isn't the industry; it's the intention. Gen Z is refusing to tether their identities to job titles. Instead, they're chasing roles that align with their values, mental health, and lifestyle preferences. Work is no longer about survival; it's about self-expression. They're not rejecting responsibility; they're rejecting rigidity. And in doing so, they're not just choosing new jobs. They're building a new world of work. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!

Priced out of the American Dream: How new H-1B rules are deepening inequality
Priced out of the American Dream: How new H-1B rules are deepening inequality

Time of India

time3 hours ago

  • Time of India

Priced out of the American Dream: How new H-1B rules are deepening inequality

In the sunlit classrooms of top American universities, international students have long pursued the H-1B visa as a logical next step, a bridge from academic excellence to professional opportunity. For decades, it symbolized merit, upward mobility, and a fair shot at the American dream. But a new shift in US immigration policy is poised to redraw that bridge, replacing its foundations of chance and academic achievement with one built squarely on salary figures. The Biden administration's proposed overhaul of the H-1B visa system, replacing the existing random lottery with a wage-level-based selection mechanism, is being framed as a measure to reward skill and restore integrity. But beneath the surface lies a sharper, more divisive reality: a growing disparity that privileges wealth over potential, experience over promise, and corporate scale over entrepreneurial ambition. The end of the lottery and the beginning of the pay-to-compete era Until now, H-1B hopefuls were entered into a random lottery when applications exceeded the annual limit, 65,000 regular cap slots, plus 20,000 for advanced degree holders from US institutions. It was a system imperfect, yes, but egalitarian in its essence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo An entry-level coder had the same statistical odds as a machine learning architect. That paradigm is now at risk. Under the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) proposed rule, priority will be given to those offered higher wages, ranked according to Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) wage levels, from Level I (entry-level) to Level IV (expert-level). In simple terms: the bigger your paycheck, the better your odds of securing a visa. What this means is seismic. An international graduate fresh out of an Ivy League computer science programme, earning $83,000 at a promising startup (Level I), may now lose out to a mid-career hire drawing $150,000 at a tech conglomerate (Level IV), even if both possess equal talent, and the graduate is US-educated. A system tilted toward the elite For tech giants flush with capital, this change is welcome. No longer will they have to compete on a level playing field with smaller startups or mid-sized firms trying to sponsor international talent. They can simply outbid. And for American workers, particularly those with growing concerns about wage suppression, the reform may appear protective on paper. By discouraging the hiring of lower-paid H-1B workers, the hope is to reduce exploitation and preserve wages. Yet critics warn that the very workers these rules aim to shield may now face intensified competition from higher-paid foreign professionals, who will be favored over domestic mid-tier talent due to their specialization and salary levels. But the most immediate impact will be on the international student community, especially those transitioning from F-1 to H-1B status. For them, this isn't just policy—it's personal. Innovation at risk: A startup squeeze Beyond individual dreams, this rule could stifle innovation. Startups—long seen as engines of disruptive growth—often operate on tight margins and cannot match the salaries of multinational corporations. With limited ability to offer Level III or IV wages, their access to global talent could be choked. In essence, this creates a dual-track immigration economy: one reserved for those with institutional might and another fading away for risk-takers, early-career professionals, and the underfunded visionaries. A shift in philosophy, not just policy Proponents argue the wage-based system aligns better with a merit-driven immigration model. But in doing so, it risks conflating compensation with competence. Salary may be a market signal, but it is not always a proxy for skill, especially across fields like academia, research, and public service, where salaries lag behind private industry. An AI researcher at a university lab might earn far less than a data engineer at a bank, despite offering more specialized knowledge. By elevating salary as the singular metric of worth, the US risks overlooking entire sectors of value and impact. A call for balance and equity The new rule is currently under White House review, with a period for public comment. It is not yet final, but its implications are already reverberating across campuses and corporate HR departments alike. The intention may be to restore fairness, but fairness cannot exist in a system where opportunity is priced, and potential is dismissed for lack of immediate profit. To preserve its reputation as a destination for the world's brightest minds, the United States must strike a balance, rewarding genuine skill and curbing abuse, without closing the door on those just beginning their journey. Immigration policy must be rooted not only in economic logic but in a recognition of human ambition, educational investment, and long-term contribution. Until then, the message to many aspiring immigrants is unmistakable: If you can't afford the price of entry, the American dream may no longer be yours to dream. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!

H-1B visa lottery may end: What this means for Indian techies, students
H-1B visa lottery may end: What this means for Indian techies, students

Business Standard

time3 hours ago

  • Business Standard

H-1B visa lottery may end: What this means for Indian techies, students

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is preparing to replace the current random lottery system for H-1B visas with a weighted selection process—one that could reshape how Indians study and work in America. In a filing to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs last Thursday, the DHS said it was considering a shift to a merit-based selection model. This would apply to the 85,000 capped H-1B visas issued each year, including 65,000 for regular applicants and 20,000 for those with advanced degrees from US institutions. The new process is still under review, and further details have not been released. But the move could have far-reaching effects for Indian professionals and students. The H-1B visa lottery is a random selection process used by the US government to choose applicants for the H-1B work visa when the number of applications exceeds the annual cap. Each year, there are 85,000 H-1B visas available—65,000 for regular applicants and 20,000 for those with US master's degree or higher. If applications exceed this limit (as they usually do), the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) runs a computerised lottery to decide who gets a chance to apply. Career choices shaped by visa outcomes 'It will almost certainly influence how Indian students and professionals plan their careers. If the system favours STEM roles, US degrees, or higher-paying jobs, we'll see a clear shift in demand toward certain academic paths, institutions, and employers,' Husain Tinwala, president, upGrad Rekrut, the staffing & recruitment arm of upGrad, told Business Standard. He added that early career decisions could be driven more by visa odds than personal ambition. In the 2023 financial year, around 191,000 H-1B visas were granted to Indian nationals. That figure rose to roughly 207,000 in FY 2024, continuing a long-standing trend of Indian dominance in the programme. Entry-level STEM graduates may lose out The proposed change could also make things harder for fresh STEM graduates trying to build a long-term career in the US after their studies. 'Changes to the H-1B visa programme will create a weighted lottery favouring higher wages, advanced degrees, and elite 'permanent' employers. This will most likely make it much harder for fresh STEM graduates to climb the ladder for long-term work in the US after completing their degree programmes,' Ritika Gupta, CEO and counsellor, AAera Consultants told Business Standard. She explained that the current Optional Practical Training (OPT) pathway acts as a vital bridge, giving international students hands-on experience while they wait for their H-1B opportunity. 'Currently, OPT provides an invaluable platform allowing international graduates a chance to gain experiential learning while they wait for their H-1B chance. In the future, an entry-level candidate who is an international graduate from a US university may be treated unfairly when the lottery weights the permit toward advanced degrees, higher wages, and elite employers,' she said. Big firms may benefit, startups could lose out Some experts are concerned that a weighted selection could give large corporations an edge over startups and nonprofits. 'If the selection process prioritises employer size or wage levels, large corporations could dominate the pool. Startups and nonprofits—which often operate on lean budgets—may struggle to attract global talent,' said Tinwala. He warned that this could have long-term effects on innovation and diversity in the US workforce. The potential change may also push skilled Indians to explore other destinations. 'Canada and parts of Europe already offer more streamlined, merit-driven immigration systems. If the US process becomes harder to predict, highly skilled talent will simply go where they feel more welcome,' Tinwala said. 'We already see this reflected in the hiring patterns and career preferences of our candidates.' A wake-up call for Indian students Mamta Shekhawat, founder of study abroad platform said the proposal could reshape the way Indian students choose universities and courses. 'We have witnessed how one policy shift abroad can impact every aspect of Indian education,' Shekhawat told Business Standard. 'The recent signal from the DHS to replace the H-1B lottery with a weighted selection process is not just technical fine print: it is a life-changing lever for Indian students, especially those eyeing the world's largest tech job market,' she said. Giving an example, she added, 'A student deciding between a costly master's in data science at a US state school and a new AI/ML programme at IISc will now weigh not just tuition, but the odds of an H-1B. If the weighted system truly favours elite degrees and deep specialisation, IISc may suddenly become a smarter long-term bet.' She also pointed out that students from lesser-known Indian colleges, once attracted to the randomness of the current system, might now opt for upskilling through Indian certifications and aim for multinationals building R\&D centres in India. 'We believe, in this new era, the calculus of worthwhile education and secure employment is being rewritten. Indian students are becoming more strategic, institutions more globally aware, and employers more selective,' Shekhawat said. Growing support for reform in the US Some observers in the US believe the current lottery-based system is no longer fit for purpose. 'The H-1B is the primary way through which the United States attracts high-skilled immigrants. That it is randomly allocated (among eligible applicants) is insane. America deserves better,' Connor O'Brien, research analyst at the Economic Innovation Group said in a social media post. He argued on social media that giving away H-1B visas randomly was a wasted opportunity. 'Eliminating the H-1B lottery in favour of a system that prioritises higher earners first is a no-brainer,' he said. Jeremy Neufeld, director of immigration policy at the Institute for Progress, a nonpartisan think tank, wrote in a January 2025 proposal by the IFP that the change could raise the programme's economic value without increasing the visa cap. 'Replacing the lottery could increase the economic value of the programme to the United States by 88%, equivalent to the effect on GDP of raising the cap by 75,000,' Neufeld wrote. He added that the current system discourages employers from targeting particularly talented candidates, as there is no guarantee they'll secure a visa. He estimated that US employers spend more than $1.9 billion each year on recruitment efforts for H-1B applicants who ultimately don't get selected. Call for clarity and fairness For now, the random lottery remains in place. But experts say that if the new system is adopted, transparency will be crucial. 'People need to know how the system works and what counts. If it feels like a black box or favours only a few, it will lose credibility fast,' said Tinwala. He added, 'That's why we emphasise outcome transparency with both candidates and recruiters—because trust drives long-term value. A well-designed system can reward skill and intent. But if it ends up privileging only power and money, it risks doing more harm than good.'

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