H1B
H-1B visa lottery results, cap season updates, wage level analysis, employer sponsorship data, and transfer rules. Covers registration, selection, RFE trends, and premium processing timelines for FY2026.
Top questions about H1B
Answers from VisaVerge guidesWhat changes will H-1B visa applicants in India face starting September 2, 2025?
Starting September 2, 2025, all H-1B visa applicants in India must attend in-person interviews at a U.S. consulate, ending the dropbox option.
Read: When Did India Get H-1B Dropbox Option and Why Was It Dropped?How does the H-1B process work for employers and employees in 2025?
The H-1B process remains employer-driven, with the employer filing the petition and the employee maintaining status by staying employed in the approved job under the approved terms.
Read: US Immigration FAQ Update: H-1B, F-1, NRIs Amid 2025 ChangesHow did employer actions affect H-1B visa holders in 2025?
Employers increased the risk of H-1B workers going out of status by rapidly withdrawing petitions after layoffs, complicating their future re-entry into the U.S.
Read: H-1B in 2025: What Layoffs Taught Visa Holders and EmployersWhat changes has USCIS introduced to curb H-1B visa exploitation starting in 2025?
USCIS has introduced beneficiary-focused selection and mandatory passport information for lottery registrations to tackle registration abuse.
Read: H-1B Exploitation: Middlemen Gaming the SystemWhat are some key changes to the H-1B visa program for fiscal year 2025?
The USCIS adopted a 'beneficiary-centric' registration process, resulting in fewer registrations but relatively steady numbers of employers and unique foreign candidates applying for visas.
Read: Donald Trump Backs H-1B Visas: ‘We Need Competent People’
New Rule Expands Cap-Exempt H-1B Options for Nonprofits, Research Roles
The new DHS rule, effective January 17, 2025, expands cap-exempt H-1B eligibility by redefining "nonprofit research organization" and allowing broader employer qualifications. Non-cap-exempt employers can file for workers spending over…
H-1B Rule Redefines “Specialty Occupation” with New Flexibility for 2025
The updated H-1B rule redefines "specialty occupation," emphasizing flexibility and clarity. A bachelor's degree must directly relate to…
Codification of Deference Policy Brings Changes to H-1B Renewal Process
The codification of the long-standing deference policy simplifies H-1B petition renewals and extensions. It directs officers to generally…
Missing I-797 for H-1B Filing? Here’s What You Need to Know and Do
The I-797 Notice of Action is important for H-1B applications but not always mandatory. Employers can file without…
US Adopts Beneficiary-Centric Approach for Fairer H-1B Visa Selections
The USCIS adopted a beneficiary-centric H-1B visa lottery in FY 2025, allowing each unique applicant to be entered…
As H-1B Visa Scrutiny Grows, Exploring Other U.S. Work Visa Paths
As H-1B visa demand rises and scrutiny increases, alternative U.S. work visas offer opportunities. Cap-exempt H-1B visas benefit…
Canada Offers Multiple Pathways for H-1B Visa Holders Seeking to Relocate
H-1B visa holders in the U.S. have several pathways to move to Canada, including the Express Entry System,…
Former Staffers Claim TCS Misused US Visas to Bypass H-1B Limits
TCS, India's largest IT firm, faces allegations of misusing L-1A manager visas to bypass stricter H-1B rules. Whistleblowers…
H-1B Visa Evolves to Meet Demand Amid Modern Rules and Rising Scrutiny
The modernized H-1B visa program fulfills labor needs in specialty occupations with updated rules, enhanced integrity, and reduced…
Can H-1B Holders Use Dropbox After a Change of Status?
New U.S. rules require in-person interviews for H-1B status changes, ending dropbox eligibility for most and tightening renewal…