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The U.S. has revamped its H-1B visa selection process, limiting multiple registrations per candidate. This change has led to a significant 38% drop in applications, raising concerns for both job seekers and businesses.
Recently, the U.S. has introduced significant changes to the H-1B visa selection process, implementing stricter regulations to enhance fairness and transparency. These revisions have resulted in a sharp 38% decline in registrations compared to the previous year.
Key Changes in the H-1B Visa Selection Process
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) emphasizes that these changes are designed to eliminate manipulative practices and create a more equitable environment for all H-1B visa applicants.
• Previously, multiple employers could register the same candidate, increasing their selection chances.
• Under the new rules, each beneficiary can now have only one registration, regardless of how many employers support them.
• USCIS states that these changes will help eliminate manipulation and create a fairer process.
Impact of the New Rules
For the fiscal year 2025, USCIS received 479,953 H-1B registrations, a steep decline from the 758,994 recorded in 2024. Of these, 470,342 were deemed eligible.
The number of unique beneficiaries also saw a slight drop from 446,000 in 2024 to around 442,000 in 2025. Notably, the average number of registrations per beneficiary decreased from 1.70 to 1.06, demonstrating the impact of the new selection rules.
• Total Registrations: 479,953 in 2025 (down from 758,994 in 2024).
• Eligible Registrations: 470,342.
• Unique Beneficiaries: Dropped slightly from 446,000 in 2024 to 442,000 in 2025.
• Average Registrations per Beneficiary: Decreased from 1.70 to 1.06, showing the impact of the new rules.
H-1B Visa and Indian Professionals
India remains the top country for H-1B visa recipients. In 2023, 72.3% of the 386,000 visas issued went to Indian applicants. For Indian tech professionals, the H-1B visa is a critical gateway to U.S. jobs. The visa:
• Is valid for an initial three years.
• Can be extended up to six years.
Challenges in the Application Process
Although the application process begins with a $10 registration fee, challenges persist beyond this step. Securing consular appointments for document submission has become increasingly competitive.
• Applicants pay a $10 registration fee to USCIS.
• Securing consular appointments for document submission is becoming more competitive.
• All Dropbox submissions for H-1B visas are processed at the U.S. Consulate in Chennai.
• However, applicants can submit documents at various visa centres across India.
Streamlining the Renewal Process
The rule changes also aim to streamline the renewal process for existing H-1B visa holders, potentially alleviating the pressure on appointment availability at US consulates.
However, the substantial decline in registrations underscores the broader impact of the revised system, raising concerns about its long-term implications for both applicants and employers.
Final Thoughts
These H-1B visa changes mark a major shift in U.S. immigration policy. While they promote fairness, they also create new challenges for both applicants and employers. Staying informed and preparing thoroughly will be essential for those looking to secure an H-1B visa.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/uscis-tightens-h1b-visa-rules-causing-38-percent-drop-in-registrations/
