US Skilled-Worker Visa Applications
US cracks down on H-1B visa fraud, leading to a 40% drop in applications. New rules target duplicate entries for a fairer chance for skilled foreign workers.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services recently announced a notable drop in applications for the skilled-worker visa (H-1B Visa) lottery, marking a significant shift following the implementation of stringent measures to curb fraud and abuse within the system.
According to a recent report by AP, lottery bids have plummeted by 40% this year, signalling a substantial decline in attempts to exploit the visa system.
Sharp Decrease in Applications
The USCIS announced a 38% decrease in (Skilled-Worker) lottery applications for the Fiscal Year 2025. This translates to 470,342 entries in 2024 compared to 758,994 in 2023.
Notably, the number of individual applicants remained relatively stable at around 442,000, suggesting a significant drop in duplicate and fraudulent entries.
New Rules Target Abuses
This positive development comes after the USCIS implemented new rules limiting applicants to a single visa application. This change addresses concerns raised by major tech companies that witnessed a surge in H-1B applications, making it harder for legitimate candidates to secure visas.
Changes in the Visa Application Process
The recent adjustments in the visa application process came after the government transitioned from traditional paperwork to an online registration system with a nominal $10 fee. This transition led to a significant increase in applications from 2021 to 2023, tripling the numbers.
The streamlined system allowed applicants to apply for multiple job roles effortlessly, overwhelming both industry stakeholders and government agencies. For instance, in 2022, a single individual submitted bids for 83 job offers.
Focus on Fairness and Efficiency
The USCIS emphasizes that the new regulations promote a fairer and more efficient H-1B visa lottery process. This ensures a level playing field for skilled workers seeking employment opportunities in the US.
Indian Tech Workers Remain Dominant
It’s important to note that Indian nationals are the largest group securing H-1B visas, occupying nearly 70% of the 85,000 available slots, including the quota reserved for master’s degree holders from US institutions.
Looking Ahead
The decrease in H-1B visa lottery applications signifies a positive step towards curbing fraud and ensuring a more streamlined process for attracting skilled foreign workers to the US.
