The H-1B visa program is a crucial pathway for skilled foreign workers to secure employment in the United States. Designed to help U.S. companies hire talented professionals in specialized fields such as IT, engineering, healthcare, and research, the program grants 65,000 visas annually, with an additional 20,000 visas reserved for individuals holding advanced degrees from U.S. institutions.
For years, India has been a significant contributor to the H-1B visa pool, with many applicants hailing from cities like Hyderabad, a hub for multinational companies including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon. However, recent policy changes by the U.S. government have triggered a dramatic decline in interest from Indian applicants.
Why H-1B Visa Demand Is Dropping
The sudden decline in H-1B visa interest among Indian professionals can be attributed to several factors:
1. Increased Application Costs
One of the most significant changes is the substantial hike in application fees. The U.S. government recently raised the application fee from $10 to $215, a considerable increase that has discouraged many applicants from pursuing the visa.
For companies and individuals filing multiple applications to enhance their chances, the cost surge has made the process economically unfeasible.
2. Restrictions on Multiple Filings
The latest restrictions impose a one-application-per-individual rule, which means:
- Applicants can no longer submit multiple applications through various employers.
- Each application must be tied to a single passport, reducing the possibility of boosting selection chances by applying through different employers.
This policy shift has significantly impacted the application strategy commonly employed by many Indians hoping to increase their chances of approval.
3. Uncertainty Over U.S. Job Prospects
The stricter guidelines have also created a sense of uncertainty about job prospects in the U.S. As companies become more cautious in sponsoring visas, applicants fear wasting time and money on a process with increasingly limited chances of success.
According to Arun Teja Bukkaparapu, who runs a consultancy firm in Hyderabad:
“I have not even received a single call about H-1B filing until now. Rising costs and new rules are driving applicants away.”
Why Hyderabad Is Significantly Affected
Hyderabad has been one of the leading sources of H-1B applicants in India due to its strong presence of multinational companies and tech talent. However, consultancy firms based in the city report a sharp decline in inquiries about H-1B visas.
| City | Major Companies | Main Sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Hyderabad | Microsoft, Google, Amazon | IT, Software, Research |
| Bengaluru | Infosys, Wipro, TCS | Technology, R&D |
| Pune | IBM, Accenture, Cognizant | Consulting, IT Services |
The drop in applications from Hyderabad is a telling sign of the broader impact of the new regulations across India.
The H-1B Visa Application Process
The H-1B visa process has always been competitive. While the program offers 65,000 general visas, an additional 20,000 visas are allocated for applicants holding advanced degrees from U.S. universities.
Application Breakdown
- General Category: 65,000 visas.
- Advanced Degree Category: 20,000 visas (for those with master’s degrees or higher from U.S. institutions).
Despite the availability of 85,000 visas each year, demand continues to exceed supply by a significant margin.
Why Demand Exceeds Supply
Every year, the number of applications filed far surpasses the available visas. For instance:
- In the previous year, approximately 1.5 million applications were submitted.
- However, due to multiple filings, the actual number of unique applicants was estimated at 600,000 – 700,000.
This discrepancy highlights how individuals and companies previously attempted to maximize their chances by submitting multiple applications. The new restriction limiting applications to one per individual aims to reduce this practice.
Impact of the New Regulations
The combined effect of higher fees and restricted filings has already had a significant impact on the H-1B visa landscape:
| Factor | Previous System | New System (2025 Onwards) |
|---|---|---|
| Filing Fee | $10 per application | $215 per application |
| Multiple Filings | Allowed through various employers | Limited to one per individual |
| Unique Applicants | Estimated at 600,000 – 700,000 | Reduced due to filing restrictions |
| Impact on Hyderabad | High volume of applications | Significant decline in interest |
The change particularly affects regions like Hyderabad, where large numbers of skilled professionals traditionally applied for H-1B visas each year.
Implications for Indian Applicants
The new rules are likely to affect Indian applicants more than others due to:
- High Demand: India accounts for a substantial portion of the annual H-1B visa pool.
- Cost Concerns: The increased application fee discourages individuals who would otherwise submit multiple entries.
- Reduced Opportunities: The one-application rule significantly lowers the chances of approval, especially for applicants relying on various employers to boost their odds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why has the U.S. government increased the H-1B visa application fee?
The fee hike aims to cover administrative costs and reduce unnecessary applications, particularly those involving multiple filings by the same individual.
Q2: How does the new application restriction impact applicants?
Applicants can only submit one application per year tied to a single passport, eliminating the previous practice of filing multiple applications through different employers.
Q3: What is the impact on Indian applicants, especially those from Hyderabad?
The restrictions are expected to decrease the overall number of Indian applicants, particularly from tech hubs like Hyderabad, where individuals previously relied on multiple filings to enhance their selection chances.
Q4: Is there a special quota for Indian H-1B applicants?
No, Indian applicants compete for the same pool of visas as all other foreign nationals.
Q5: Will the demand for H-1B visas decrease permanently?
The demand is likely to remain high due to attractive job opportunities in the U.S. However, the recent changes may temporarily reduce application numbers, especially from regions like Hyderabad.
The new H-1B visa regulations represent a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, particularly affecting Indian applicants who have long been a dominant group in the visa pool. As these changes take effect, prospective applicants must carefully consider their options and prepare for a more competitive application process.
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Kishan is a knowledgeable writer specializing in agriculture and the latest government job recruitments, delivering clear and insightful content to inform and empower readers.
