US H-1B Visa Registrations Hit Three-Year Low Amid Trump-Era Rules and Rising Immigration Barriers

The total registrations for H-1B visas for U.S. fiscal year 2026 (FY26) are the lowest since FY22, which points to some anxiety on the part of foreign workers and employers. Recently, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reported H-1B applications dropped 25% to 358,737 this year, down from 479,953 in FY25 and 780,884 in FY24. The number of selected applicants also dropped 27% to 120,141, with only 85,000 visas to be granted.

According to ET, experts report this sharp fall as a result of a mix of economic volatility, mass layoffs at large tech companies and a sharp rise in visa registration fees. Poorvi Chothani, the founder of immigration law practice LawQuest, pointed out that the spike in registration fees from $10 to $215 led companies to become more cautious. “Earlier, firms used to register additional candidates as a buffer. Now, they are being careful and applying only for critical positions,” she explained.

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Stricter screening of applications, like more documentation requirements and social media surveillance of applicants, has also contributed. Many students with anxiety about running out of Optional Practical Training space and potential visa issues are returning to their native countries after graduation.

India, a huge beneficiary of the H-1B visa scheme, is experiencing a fall in the number of its professional workers applying for jobs in the U.S. The USCIS recently opened FY26 registrations, which took place between March 7 and 24, with successful applicants now being able to file full petitions.

The decline in applications signals a changing immigration landscape, as increasing costs and stronger controls are deterring foreign talent, potentially affecting industries that depend on skilled workers.