H-1B Visa Applications Drop 38 Percent as USCIS Favors Master's Degrees
Summary
The U.S. government reported a 38.5% drop in H-1B visa applications for 2027 compared to 2026. The changes focus on approving visas for workers with advanced degrees and higher salaries, aiming to reduce low-wage and low-skilled employment under this visa program.Key Facts
- H-1B visa applications dropped from 343,981 in 2026 to 211,600 in 2027.
- About 71.5% of selected H-1B visa applicants hold a U.S. master's degree or higher, up from 57% last year.
- The government has introduced stricter wage rules and higher fees for H-1B applications to target program abuse.
- Only 17.7% of approved H-1B workers are in the lowest wage category, indicating a shift towards higher-paying jobs.
- The administration says these changes protect American workers' jobs and wages.
- Some experts suggest further reforms, such as a salary-based ranking system, to better select top talent and raise tax revenue.
- Critics argue that jobs given to H-1B visa holders should go to American workers.
- The Department of Homeland Security manages the changes to the H-1B visa lottery system.
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