April Relaunch: exclusive discounts coming soon
Xender Facebook logo Linkedin logo Instagram logo Youtube logo
  (+1) 469 463 5461
WhatsApp
WhatsApp Message

H-1B Visa Filings See a Staggering 50% Drop Compared to Previous Year

H-1B Visa Filings See a Staggering 50% Drop Compared to Previous Year

Immigration experts are highlighting a steep drop in H-1B visa filings in the current fiscal year. According to their analysis and projections, the visa filing rate may have plummeted as low as by a staggering 50%. Our EB-1A experts believe that the underlying reason for such a downhill trend would be the changes to take effect in the recent fiscal year including the weighted lottery system and other restrictions.

In this context, Rajiv Khanna, the managing director at Immigration.com, has told the Economic Times, the following:

“We are down about 50% filings compared to the previous year partly due to the $100,000 fee and partly due to the wage-based selections.”

The downhill graph of H-1B filings

While in every other year, the historical data bears witness to around 400,000 H-1B filings, this year is witnessing a strange drought. Attorney Shilpa Malik of VisaNation Law Group articulated this downhill in concrete numbers. She expects the filings to fall to between 250,000 and 300,000 this year.

The deficiency in filings could be explained in the following manner: the 100,000 dollars fee and a wage-weighted lottery system may not be conducive for entry-level job roles. You can read our detailed take of the status of H-1B visa in the fiscal year 2026.

However, USCIS has also clarified that the hiked fee won’t apply for F-1 students who are changing status to H-1B.

The overall situation of the H-1B employers

According to the immigration attorneys and our EB-1A experts, the impact would be most deeply felt by smaller IT companies all over the U.S. The latter companies historically relied upon high-volume entry-level hirings. However, this hiring model will take the biggest blow in the current H-1B circumstances. On the other hand, the big tech companies will be hiring with more deliberation, choosing only the mid to senior level specialized roles. Interestingly, these roles are more likely to find success in the H-1B lottery.

Nationwide, Indians have taken the hardest hit in FY 2027. Previously, Indian applicants accounted for around 71% of all approved H-1B visas in FY24. But, now, the entry level applicants are going to face insurmountable odds as most hiring giants like Tata and Infosys are also determined to hire locally.

At GCEB1, we regularly discuss, dissect and publish our thoughts on world immigration. Stay tuned to our blog section to get more insights and updates. If you are looking for a personalized strategy for merit-based pathways, you can directly reach out to us. We wish you a safe and stress-free immigration journey.

Sources & Further Readings

  1. The Times of India.“Immigration Expert Sees Sharp Drop in H-1B Visa Filings, Says ‘We Are Down About 50% Filings Compared to the Previous Year.” March 10, 2026.
  2. The Economic Times.“US Policy Changes Could Cut H-1B Visa Applications Sharply: Experts.” March 9, 2026.
  3. Jhansi.“H-1B Employers Back Out: Visa Filing Crash 50%?”M9 News, March 9, 2026.
Recent Post
Did US Consulates in India Have Run Out of H-1B Interview Dates Till 2027?

According to the reports of several news outlets, the US consulates across India have rescheduled several stamping interview dates further down into 2027. Undoubtedly, this update has caused major stir and disruptions among the Indian professionals. Visa offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata no longer have regular interview slots available. Here, our Eb-1a experts have directly focused on this news in elaborate detail.
UK to Effect Visa Ban on Nations That Refuse to Take Back Their Deported Citizens

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has recently stepped in with a big announcement last Monday. She spoke of an effective visa ban on countries unless they accept the deported criminals and illegal immigrants, i.e. inhabitants of their own nations.

How to Track Your I-140 Case Status Using USCIS Receipt Number

After filing Form I-140, one of the most common questions employment-based immigrants ask is simple: “What’s happening with my case?” Whether you have applied independently or through an EB-1A green card consultancy, you will have to go through this form for your EB-1A green card application.

U.S. Green Cards and Visa Holders to Face Photographing Vetting From December

The United States administration is about to implement photographic vetting of all non-citizens when they enter or exit the United States.
Canada Closes Ways for Parent, Grandparent Immigrations: Families Torn Apart

The Canadian administration put a harsh stop to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2026. In other words, it is continuing with a permanent pause as announced in the previous year.

World Cup Countries Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire Under Trump’s Travel Ban: What Tourists Need to Know

In a recent update, we came to know that Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, two qualified participants in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, have been added to the expanding U.S. travel ban list under President Donald Trump’s administration.
USCIS Strengthens Screening & Vetting in 2026: What Applicants Should Expect

In March 2026, USCIS announced a major update to its vetting and screening procedures for immigration benefits. Officials found that earlier security checks were “wholly inadequate,” and the agency proposed to improve Screening & Vetting Practices (more frequent ID and criminal checks, social media reviews, etc.) and an internal Review Process to lift holds on certain cases.

Your I-140 Filing Address & Service Center Choice Matters in Your EB-1A Processing Duration: Here’s How

The EB-1A extraordinary ability category is unanimously the dream route for extraordinary achievers. It remains the most comprehensive and direct path to permanent residency without the need for employer sponsorship or PERM labor certification. But here is a truth that often gets buried beneath evidence portfolios and recommendation letters: the way you file your I-140 petition, specifically your filing address and how USCIS routes your case to a service center, can significantly impact how long your petition takes to process.
US Issues New Warning to Indian Students Amidst Immigration Crackdown

In a recent social media post, the US Embassy in India on Saturday issued a new warning to Indian students. The post states that there would be ‘serious consequences’ if they break any laws or get detained for any reason.
Why Are Many Indians on H-1B Leaving the U.S.? A Pattern of Reverse Migration?

The United States has undoubtedly been the most important magnet for Indian aspirants and professionals. And, one of the real anchors for many Indians’ career dreams was the H-1B visa. However, after the latest fee imposition and increasing screening and vetting, many Indians are at a crossroads of ending their dreams unrealized.