U.S. Tightens H-1B Rules As Visa Applications See Sharp 38% Decline

The Trump administration’s major overhaul of the H-1B visa system is now beginning to show visible impact, with applications falling sharply this year. According to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, H-1B registrations have dropped nearly 38% as Washington shifts towards a stricter, wage-based and merit-driven selection system. The changes are raising fresh concerns among thousands of Indian tech professionals already working in the United States as well as those hoping to move there. Layoffs at major tech companies, tighter visa renewals and pressure to quickly find new sponsors are adding to uncertainty for H-1B workers. The latest visa overhaul is expected to significantly reshape opportunities for Indian IT talent pursuing careers and long-term settlement in the US tech industry.