Archive · 17 Jun 2025
H-1B Visa Restrictions: High-Skilled Workers Face Hurdles
The US gives special visas called H-1Bs to highly skilled workers from other countries, like engineers and scientists, so they can work here.
However, it's very hard to get one.
Each year, there are only a certain number of these visas available, so many qualified people don't get them.
Because of this limit, it's actually easier for someone to get a tourist visa or even a summer job visa than for a skilled worker to get an H-1B visa.
The number of people applying for the visa has decreased in the last year, and the chances of getting it are now slightly better, but the competition is still tough.
H-1B visas are crucial for high-skilled foreign nationals to work and gain citizenship in the US.
The H-1B visa category is the most restrictive in the US immigration system, with only 20% of new applications approved.
The 85,000 annual limit for H-1B visas is insufficient to meet demand, resulting in a lottery system.
In FY 2025, employers filed at least 423,028 H-1B registrations, with an approval rate of only 20%.
The selection rate for FY2026 H-1B visas increased to 35 percent due to a decrease in eligible registrations.
- Who
- High-skilled foreign workers seeking to work in the US.
- What
- H-1B visas are highly restricted in the US immigration system.
- When
- In FY 2025, and FY2026.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Due to low annual limits and high demand, resulting in a competitive application process.
Proponents of Limiting H-1B Visas
Advocates for High-Skilled Workers
Visa Restrictions
Proponents of Limiting H-1B Visas
Support limiting the H-1B category.
Advocates for High-Skilled Workers
Believe the category is crucial for filling labor gaps, supporting innovation, and the US economy.
- Visa Type
- H-1B
- Annual Limit
- 85,000
- FY2025 Approval Rate
- 20%
- FY2026 Selection Rate
- 35%
- Applications FY2025
- 423,028