The United States has introduced major changes to the H-1B visa programme starting today, bringing stricter regulations, higher fees, and a revamped selection process. These changes will significantly impact Indian professionals, who make up the largest share of H-1B visa holders.
<h3>What&rsquo;s Changing?</h3>
<h4>1. Old Records Will Be Deleted</h4>
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has started removing H-1B visa records older than five years. Employers were advised to download any necessary documents by March 19 to avoid data loss.
<h4>2. New Selection Process to Prevent Multiple Entries</h4>
Previously, multiple employers could file applications for the same individual, increasing their chances of selection. Now, each applicant will be entered into the lottery only once, regardless of how many employers sponsor them. This aims to stop big companies from gaming the system and create a fairer process.
<h4>3. Registration Fee Increased Sharply</h4>
The H-1B registration fee has jumped from $10 (₹862) to $215 (₹18,555) per entry. This steep hike is expected to reduce non-serious applications and make the process more efficient.
<h4>4. Online Registration Mandatory for Employers</h4>
US companies must now register their applicants online before filing an H-1B petition. This change is aimed at streamlining processing and improving transparency.
<h3>How Will This Affect Indian Applicants?</h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">More Fairness, but Tougher Odds: The new rules eliminate the advantage of multiple applications, but competition remains high.</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Higher Costs for Employers: With increased fees and stricter rules, US companies may rethink sponsorships, potentially affecting hiring.</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Faster Processing: USCIS claims these changes will reduce processing delays and make selections more efficient.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Should Indian Applicants Do Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ensure your employer follows the new registration system.</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Be prepared for tougher competition as duplicate applications are eliminated.</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Stay updated on further policy changes that may affect visa processing and renewals.</li>
</ul>
With thousands of Indian IT professionals, engineers, and healthcare workers relying on H-1B visas, these reforms could reshape the landscape for US job seekers.

New H-1B rules limit duplicate entries, raise fees & mandate online registration for employers

US H-1B Visa Rules Change: What You Must Know

New H-1B rules limit duplicate entries, raise fees & mandate online registration for employers

March 20, 2025 | 13:58 IST