Recent federal data reveals a steep decline in H-1B visa filings at major tech companies, particularly Amazon, Google, and Meta, as new visa restrictions come into effect and layoffs continue to rise across the industry.
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businessinsider.comAccording to the Department of Labor, H-1B filings dropped notably in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 compared to the previous year, with Amazon leading the decline.The company saw its certified applications plummet from 4,647 in Q1 2025 to 3,057 in Q1 2026.
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businessinsider.comOther tech giants, including Meta and Google, also experienced significant reductions, with their applications decreasing by approximately half.
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businessinsider.comThe decline in H-1B petitions can be attributed to several factors.First, the Trump administration implemented new rules that made the visa application process more rigorous and expensive.These changes included a $100,000 fee for new petitions and a lottery system favoring higher-paid applicants, aiming to deter fraud and promote the hiring of American workers.
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businessinsider.comrestofworld.orgAs a result, companies are facing increased scrutiny over their visa applications.According to immigration attorney Jason Finkelman, employers are now more selective in their sponsorships.The climate has shifted, with many tech firms opting to hire fewer new workers and focusing on existing employees or local graduates.
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businessinsider.comThis approach aligns with broader workforce reductions seen in the sector, as companies like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft have cut thousands of jobs in recent years.
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businessinsider.comMoreover, the initial quarterly filings are typically lower because they primarily consist of applications for job switches or extensions rather than new hires.A surge in applications is expected in the second quarter as firms participate in the H-1B lottery, which offers 85,000 visas each year.
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businessinsider.comWhile some firms have reduced their H-1B petitions, Nvidia is an exception, reporting an increase in applications from 369 in Q1 2025 to 434 in Q1 2026.The company's CEO, Jensen Huang, has expressed commitment to hiring immigrants despite the heightened fees and restrictions introduced since the Trump administration.
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businessinsider.comThe ongoing changes to the H-1B program reflect a broader trend in the tech industry, where demand for skilled labor remains high yet the hiring landscape is evolving.The regulatory environment remains contentious, with both political parties historically proposing tighter controls on the program to protect domestic workers.
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restofworld.orgbrookings.eduAs these changes unfold, it remains to be seen how tech companies will adapt their hiring strategies and what impact this will have on their ability to attract international talent in the future.The balance between regulatory compliance and workforce needs will be critical as the industry navigates these new challenges.
