US data shows 26.9% drop in H1-B visa registrations compared to FY 2025

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reported a significant decline in H-1B visa registrations for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 compared to FY 2025, pointing to the impact of its newly implemented beneficiary-centric selection process and strengthened anti-fraud measures.

During the FY 2026 H-1B cap registration period, USCIS observed a notable decrease in total registrations and eligible beneficiaries. The number of eligible registrations fell to 343,981, down from 470,342 in FY 2025, a 26.9% reduction.

While the number of unique employers remained relatively stable at approximately 57,600 in FY 2026 compared to 52,700 in FY 2025 the number of eligible unique beneficiaries dropped significantly from 442,000 last year to 339,000 this year.

USCIS also reported that the average number of registrations per beneficiary declined to 1.01 in FY 2026 from 1.06 in FY 2025, indicating fewer multiple registrations filed on behalf of the same individual.

Officials attributed the decline to the implementation of the beneficiary-centric selection process under the final rule titled Improving the H-1B Registration Selection Process and Program Integrity. The agency stated that the revised system has reduced attempts to gain an unfair advantage through multiple registrations.

Following evidence of misuse during the FY 2023 and FY 2024 cap seasons, USCIS launched extensive fraud investigations, denying and revoking petitions where necessary and referring cases for criminal prosecution. The agency confirmed that reviews of FY 2025 and FY 2026 data are ongoing, and further enforcement action will be taken if violations are identified.