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Business Standard
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
H-1B visa applications for 2026 drop 25%, hit 4-year low under Trump
The number of H-1B visa applications for the financial year 2026 has fallen to its lowest in four years, according to data from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Only 358,737 applications were received this year — a sharp drop from over 480,000 in FY2025 and the lowest since FY2022, which recorded 308,613 applications. Out of these, 120,141 registrations were selected to move forward in the process. The H-1B visa programme, used heavily by Indian IT professionals and US tech firms, grants 85,000 visas annually, including a 20,000 carve-out for those with US master's degrees. According to USCIS, this year's numbers reflect both a fall in total submissions and a marked reduction in multiple registrations per applicant. Eligible registrations fell from 470,342 in FY2025 to 343,981 this year Unique beneficiaries dropped from 442,000 to 339,000 Average registrations per applicant dropped to 1.01 from 1.06 Only 7,828 applications were filed on behalf of beneficiaries with multiple registrations — down from 47,314 last year The number of participating employers, however, remained relatively stable at 57,600. The drop coincides with recent changes to the H-1B registration system. For FY2026, USCIS implemented a beneficiary-centric approach, meaning each candidate could only be counted once in the selection lottery, regardless of how many employers filed for them. 'The decline in H-1B visa registrations this year doesn't necessarily reflect a lack of appetite — it's more about a correction in the system,' said Varun Singh, managing director of XIPHIAS Immigration. 'Last year, the unusually high number of registrations raised concerns about misuse — with multiple applications being filed for the same candidate to game the lottery.' He added that the new process offers 'a more accurate picture of genuine demand.' Visa reforms and tech layoffs The downturn in numbers comes amid a stricter immigration environment in the US. A mix of policies under the Trump administration — including the reintroduction of the 'Catch-and-Revoke' rule, which cancels visas of individuals found violating US law even once — and an increase in visa-related fees has made the process more complex and expensive. In January, the H-1B registration fee was raised from $10 to $215. 'This fee hike is not a small jump, especially for startups and smaller firms,' said Mamta Shekhawat, founder of 'Many are now more selective, only filing for niche or project-critical roles.' The broader employment situation in tech has also affected numbers. Between 2024 and 2025, over 260,000 tech jobs were cut globally. As of May 2025, more than 52,000 workers had already been affected across 123 companies. According to a Bloomberg report, in April alone, 19 companies laid off 23,468 employees — a steep rise from March, when 8,834 professionals across 21 firms lost their jobs. The most cuts came from Intel, which announced plans to reduce about 20 per cent of its workforce. Meta also let go of nearly 100 employees, while Google laid off hundreds from its platforms and devices unit around mid-April. Indian tech companies were not spared. Gupshup, which works in conversational AI, laid off around 200 employees, and Cars24 also announced job cuts. The total number of H-1B registrations had soared in FY2024 to nearly 781,000 before USCIS began tightening controls. The fall in applications since then has been steady: FY2024: 780,884 registrations FY2025: 479,953 FY2026: 358,737 But the demand still far exceeds supply. For FY2026, more than 343,000 eligible registrations were filed for just 85,000 available visas. 'The US is still a top destination for Indian talent,' Singh said. 'What's changing is the intent to bring more transparency and fairness into the H-1B process — which in the long term, actually helps both employers and employees.' Key figures from FY2026 H-1B cap season Total registrations: 358,737 Eligible registrations: 343,981 Selected registrations: 120,141 Unique beneficiaries: 339,000 Unique employers: 57,600 Registrations per beneficiary: 1.01 Multiple registrations: 7,828 The registration period for FY2026 was open from March 7 to 24. Selected applicants can now submit full petitions for visa approval.
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Business Standard
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
H-1B visa demand remains strong in FY2026 despite tighter US scrutiny
Is there a lack of appetite for US jobs? The data suggests otherwise. The latest figures from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reveal that 343,981 eligible registrations were received for the financial year 2026, far exceeding the annual cap of 85,000 visas, which includes a separate quota of 20,000 for those with a US master's degree. Only 7,828 of these were for individuals with multiple registrations, a sharp drop from the previous year. The dip in overall registrations doesn't mean a dip in demand. 'The decline in H-1B visa registrations this year doesn't necessarily reflect a lack of appetite — it's more about a correction in the system,' Varun Singh, managing director of XIPHIAS Immigration told Business Standard. 'Last year, the unusually high number of registrations raised concerns about misuse — with multiple applications being filed for the same candidate to game the lottery. USCIS's new, stricter rules around beneficiary-centric registration have effectively curbed that loophole. What we're seeing now is a more accurate picture of genuine demand.' He added that demand for global tech talent in the US remains strong, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud engineering. 'The US is still a top destination for Indian talent. What's changing is the intent to bring more transparency and fairness into the H-1B process — which in the long term, actually helps both employers and employees.' Key numbers from fiscal 2026 * 343,981 eligible registrations received * 7,828 for individuals with multiple registrations * 85,000 H-1B visas available (including 20,000 for US master's holders) * 120,141 registrations selected to meet the cap * Registration period: March 7 to March 24, 2025 The USCIS said the updated selection system is part of efforts to prevent misuse. 'We implemented the beneficiary-centric selection process under the final rule 'Improving the H-1B Registration Selection Process and Program Integrity',' the agency said in a statement. Historical H-1B registration volumes FY2021: 274,237 FY2022: 308,613 FY2023: 483,927 FY2024: 780,884 FY2025: 479,953 FY2026: 358,737 The average number of registrations per beneficiary in FY2026 was just 1.01, compared to 1.06 last year — indicating fewer attempts at duplicate filings. Reining in abuse of the system Registrations found to include false details, incorrect travel document data, or filed through collusion can be invalidated. The agency said it may deny or revoke such petitions and refer cases to law enforcement. 'Based on evidence from the FY2023 and FY2024 H-1B cap seasons, we have undertaken extensive fraud investigations, denied and revoked petitions accordingly, and continue to make law enforcement referrals,' USCIS said. It added that it will examine FY2025 and FY2026 data to detect any further misuse. Indian applicants continue to dominate Indian nationals continue to account for the largest share of H-1B recipients. In FY2023, they received 68,825 initial H-1B visas — around 58 per cent of the total — and over 2.1 lakh visa extensions. Applicants from China were the next largest group, receiving 16,094 initial visas and 29,250 extensions. Country-wise data for FY2024 and FY2025 is yet to be released. However, Indian nationals typically make up around 60 per cent of new H-1B visa registrations.
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Business Standard
14-05-2025
- General
- Business Standard
Busting green card myths: US citizen relatives face long waits too
Being related to a US citizen doesn't always mean a quick path to a green card. While some family members qualify for faster processing, others may wait over 15 years — sometimes decades — depending on the relationship and country of origin. 'If you think your sibling can get a green card quickly just because you're a US citizen, that's a myth,' said Abhisha Parikh, a US-based immigration lawyer. 'The fact is, only immediate relatives — spouses, parents, and children under 21 — get priority. Others, like siblings or married children, might be waiting 15 years or more.' Under current US immigration law, family members of citizens and lawful permanent residents can apply for green cards, but delays depend heavily on their visa category and country of birth. Two separate queues There are two key wait periods that determine how long a green card takes: 1. The visa bulletin queue, which determines when you're eligible to apply Also Read 2. the USCIS processing time, which starts once your application is submitted Immediate relatives of US citizens skip the visa bulletin queue entirely. For others, both queues apply — sometimes spanning decades. 'For Indian nationals, the green card backlog is among the worst in the world — especially in categories like F4 (siblings of US citizens) and F1/F3 (adult children of US citizens),' Varun Singh, managing director at XIPHIAS Immigration told Business Standard. The reason is a country cap that limits green cards for each nation to about 7% of the annual family-based total, regardless of demand. Singh explains: Siblings of US citizens: 15 to 20+ years Adult children of US citizens: Over 10 years Children under 21: 1 to 2 years Spouses of US citizens: 12 to 18 months 'Spouses fall under the Immediate Relative category, so there's no quota. That's why their green cards are processed faster and with fewer hurdles,' he said. Family-based green card waiting times (FY2025) Here's how long family-based green cards take, based on USCIS data: Immediate relatives of US citizens (no visa bulletin wait) Spouses in the US: 9.5 months Spouses abroad: 14.3 months Parents: 14.3 months Unmarried children under 21: 14.3 months Family preference categories (visa bulletin applies) Spouses/children of green card holders (F2A): October 2024 | 35 months Unmarried adult children of US citizens (F1): September 2017 | 9.5 months Unmarried adult children of green card holders (F2B): January 2017 | 35 months Married children of US citizens (F3): July 2012 | 9.5 months Siblings of US citizens (F4): India: October 2006 Most other countries: April 2008 Mexico: April 2001 Philippines: January 2008 USCIS time: 9.5 months Family preference categories defined F1: Unmarried adult sons/daughters of US citizens F2A: Spouses and under-21 children of green card holders F2B: Unmarried adult sons/daughters of green card holders F3: Married sons/daughters of US citizens F4: Siblings of US citizens What determines the wait Two key tools matter when tracking your green card timeline: < The monthly visa bulletin, which tells you when your priority date becomes eligible < USCIS processing times, which tell you how long the agency takes once your application is submitted Immediate relatives can skip the bulletin entirely and apply straight away. Why Indians wait so long 'It's not about favouritism. It's just maths,' Singh said. 'The volume of Indian applicants is huge, but the law restricts how many green cards can go to each country. That's what causes the bottleneck.' He added, 'The real cost is human. Families separated for decades, siblings growing old in different countries, and children ageing out before their number comes up.' What applicants can do if delayed In some cases, applicants can take legal steps if their application is stuck for too long. 'Couples sponsoring spouses should prepare thoroughly to avoid delays. If the wait becomes unreasonable, filing a writ of mandamus is an option to compel USCIS to act,' said Ketan Mukhija, senior partner at Burgeon Law. What counts as marriage fraud Entering into a fake marriage for money or favours Both parties knowingly entering a sham marriage
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Business Standard
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
US visa waiver program: Why Indian passport holders are excluded
The United States recently updated the list of countries whose citizens can enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 days under its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), but India has once again been left out. According to the US Department of State, citizens from 41 countries are currently eligible to travel to the United States without applying for a traditional visa for business or tourism purposes. In return, those countries must allow US citizens to enter their territories without a visa for a similar period. Indian citizens remain ineligible for the scheme. Even if an Indian holds permanent residency in a VWP country, such as the United Kingdom or Australia, they are still required to obtain a B-1 or B-2 visa to travel to the United States. However, Indians who have renounced their citizenship and now hold a passport from one of the exempt countries will be eligible to travel under the programme. Varun Singh, Managing Director of XIPHIAS Immigration, said, 'The dream of entering the US with fewer visa hassles continues to elude Indian passport holders – even those who are long-term residents of countries under the Visa Waiver Program. Contrary to popular belief, merely holding permanent residency in the UK, Canada, or any other VWP-participating country does not make an Indian citizen eligible for the waiver.' He explained, 'The US Visa Waiver Program is nationality-specific, not residency-based. That means only citizens of the 41 VWP-designated countries — like Japan, Germany, or the UK — can skip the traditional B-1 or B-2 visa process. An Indian national, even with permanent residency in London or Sydney, must still go through the full US visa process.' Singh also observed a growing trend among Indians seeking alternative citizenships for greater global mobility. 'We're seeing a growing trend where Indian tech professionals or HNIs are exploring second citizenship or long-term residency in Caribbean or European nations — not just for mobility across the EU, but also to access programs like the VWP indirectly. It's immigration strategy 2.0, where mobility planning is tied to geopolitical access, not just job markets,' he said. However, he added a note of caution. 'Citizenship-by-investment or naturalisation purely for visa benefits comes with legal, tax, and ethical implications. While the US has no plans to include India in the VWP anytime soon, the focus should be on visa reform advocacy and bilateral dialogue — not workaround hacks that could backfire.' Indian passport ranking remains low The limited access for Indian travellers is mirrored by the country's consistently low passport ranking. According to the Nomad Capitalist Passport Index 2025, published in April 2025, India dropped to the 148th position out of 199 countries, falling from the 147th position recorded last year. The index, compiled by the tax and immigration consultancy firm Nomad Capitalist, scores and ranks passports based on five parameters: visa-free travel (50%), taxation (20%), global perception (10%), dual citizenship (10%), and personal freedom (10%). India shares the 148th spot with the East African nation of Comoros, with a total score of 47.5. In 2024, it shared the 147th position with Mozambique. Earlier this year, India also slipped from 80th to 85th place on the Henley Passport Index, a separate ranking based on International Air Transport Association data. Rohit Bhardwaj, Country Head – India at Henley & Partners, told Business Standard, 'A passport's strength significantly impacts visa processing and the overall traveller experience. Stronger passports generally mean easier access to more countries, reducing visa application hassles and potentially leading to smoother travel experiences.' He added, 'A strong passport is measured by the number of visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations it allows holders to visit. While global mobility can be influenced by various factors, the strength of one's passport is a primary determinant.' Bhardwaj also said, 'The primary factors determining the type of documentation requirements are the nature of the visa — for example, tourist, business, or family — and the applicant's nationality and circumstances.' Which countries qualify for visa-free travel? Citizens of the following countries can visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa: United Kingdom, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Taiwan. Romania was added on January 9, 2025, but its designation was rescinded on May 2, 2025, before it could be implemented. Argentina and Uruguay previously participated but were later removed from the programme. According to the US Department of Homeland Security, the United Kingdom's eligibility under the VWP applies only to British citizens with the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man. It does not include British overseas citizens, British dependent territories citizens, or citizens of Commonwealth countries.
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Business Standard
24-04-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
New US visa rule: Carry this to avoid visa cancellation at interview
A new visa regulation now requires all applicants attending US visa interviews on or after April 1 to carry a DS-160 form with a confirmation barcode beginning with 'AA' that matches the one used while scheduling their appointment, according to the latest update by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The DS-160, also known as the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is required for all short-term US visas, including B1/B2 (tourist/business), F-1 (student), H-1B (work), and J-1 (exchange visitor) categories. The form must be submitted online via the Department of State website prior to scheduling a visa interview. 'This requirement is mandatory for all applicants, including those from India, and applies across all nonimmigrant visa categories—tourist, student, work, and exchange visas,' said Varun Singh, managing director at XIPHIAS Immigration, speaking to Business Standard. What has changed? Previously, applicants could update or modify their DS-160 even after securing an interview slot. That flexibility is no longer allowed. 'Now, the DS-160 must be finalised before scheduling. The barcode from that form must match what is entered into the visa appointment system. If there's a mismatch, the applicant will not be allowed to attend the interview and will need to reschedule, leading to potential delays in travel plans. This rule applies to Indian applicants as well, as confirmed by US embassies and consulates operating in India,' said Singh. The US State Department has not made an official announcement on this update via its main website, but the instruction has already come into effect across consulates and embassies in several countries. Why this matters If your DS-160 barcode number does not match the appointment details, you will not be allowed to attend the interview You'll need to reschedule, which may cause: Delays in joining work Missed university deadlines Disruptions to family reunions This is now being enforced at US embassies in India, among other locations What applicants should do now To avoid issues on the day of the interview, applicants are advised to: < Fill out the DS-160 completely and correctly before booking an appointment < Ensure the form includes accurate details such as name, passport number, and travel plans < Save the confirmation page and check the barcode starts with 'AA' < Use the same DS-160 barcode when scheduling your visa interview < If a new DS-160 is submitted later, update your appointment profile accordingly or reschedule your appointment 'If you're unsure or need help, consult official consular sources or a qualified immigration adviser,' said Singh. The DS-160 remains a vital part of the US nonimmigrant visa process, as the information provided helps consular officers assess each applicant's eligibility during the interview.
