USCIS Stricter H-1B Visa Rules Lead to 38% Decline in Registrations

The U.S. has recently overhauled its H-1B visa selection process. These changes limit multiple registrations per candidate, resulting in a significant 38% drop in applications. This decline raises concerns for job seekers and businesses alike.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented stricter regulations aimed at enhancing fairness and transparency. As a result, the number of H-1B registrations has sharply decreased compared to the previous year.

Key Changes in the H-1B Visa Selection Process

USCIS emphasizes that these modifications are intended to eliminate manipulative practices. They aim to create a more equitable environment for all H-1B visa applicants.

Previously, multiple employers could register the same candidate, increasing their chances of selection. Under the new rules, each beneficiary can now have only one registration, regardless of employer support. USCIS believes these changes will reduce manipulation and foster a fairer selection process.

Impact of the New Rules

For fiscal year 2025, USCIS received 479,953 H-1B registrations. This represents a steep decline from 758,994 in 2024. Out of these, 470,342 registrations were deemed eligible. Additionally, the number of unique beneficiaries dropped slightly from 446,000 in 2024 to approximately 442,000 in 2025. The average number of registrations per beneficiary also fell from 1.70 to 1.06, clearly demonstrating the impact of these new selection rules.

• Total Registrations: 479,953 in 2025 (down from 758,994 in 2024)
• Eligible Registrations: 470,342
• Unique Beneficiaries: Dropped from 446,000 in 2024 to 442,000 in 2025
• Average Registrations per Beneficiary: Decreased from 1.70 to 1.06

H-1B Visa and Indian Professionals

India remains the leading country for H-1B visa recipients. In 2023, Indian applicants received 72.3% of the 386,000 visas issued. For many Indian tech professionals, the H-1B visa serves as a vital gateway to U.S. job opportunities. This visa is valid for an initial three years and can be extended up to six years.

Challenges in the Application Process

While the application process begins with a $10 registration fee, challenges continue beyond this initial step. Securing consular appointments for document submission has become increasingly competitive. Applicants must pay a $10 registration fee to USCIS. However, they face growing competition for consular appointment slots.

All Dropbox submissions for H-1B visas are processed at the U.S. Consulate in Chennai. Fortunately, applicants can submit documents at various visa centers across India.

Streamlining the Renewal Process

The recent rule changes aim to simplify the renewal process for current H-1B visa holders. This could alleviate some pressure on appointment availability at U.S. consulates. However, the substantial decline in registrations highlights the broader impact of the revised system, raising concerns about long-term implications for both applicants and employers.

The new rules intend to streamline renewals for existing visa holders, potentially easing appointment backlogs at U.S. consulates. Nevertheless, fewer registrations mean fewer skilled professionals entering the U.S. workforce, resulting in increased competition among applicants.

Final Thoughts

These H-1B visa changes represent a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy. While they promote fairness, they also introduce new challenges for applicants and employers. Staying informed and preparing thoroughly will be essential for those seeking to secure an H-1B visa.