The number of eligible registrations for the H-1B visa lottery dropped significantly to 343,981 in March 2025 for the fiscal year 2026, according to newly released data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This marks a steep decline from the 470,342 entries recorded the previous year and is the lowest figure seen in the past four years. The shift reflects changing dynamics in how employers are engaging with the visa process.
The decline comes as a result of new USCIS measures designed to prevent misuse of the lottery system. Now in its second year of implementation, the updated process ensures that each applicant receives only one chance in the lottery, regardless of how many companies submit their names. This reform directly targets duplicate submissions, which in the past allowed certain individuals multiple entries, giving them an edge over others.
In this latest cycle, duplicate registrations made up just over 2% of all entries—an enormous drop from the more than 50% seen in the previous cycle. While the reforms have helped eliminate repeat filings, there was also a decrease in the number of individuals with even a single eligible registration, contributing to an overall 26.5% reduction in total applications.
Another major change this year was the registration fee increase—from \$10 to \$215 per applicant. This new cost structure may have further discouraged excessive or speculative filings. Despite the lower number of total applications, demand continues to far exceed the 85,000 available H-1B visas designated for specialty occupations each year.
Alongside the administrative changes, H-1B workers are also facing heightened scrutiny at U.S. entry points. Several returning professionals have reported visa cancellations or denial of entry, even when holding valid H-1B or B1 visas. These developments highlight the increasing unpredictability many foreign workers are experiencing, despite being in compliance with U.S. immigration rules.
The H-1B visa remains a key component of how American businesses, especially in the tech sector, bring in skilled international talent. While the system has undergone multiple rounds of reform—beginning under the Trump administration—ongoing adjustments continue to spark debate over how to balance immigration control with economic and labor market needs.
