Washington: The selection rate for the H-1B visa has risen to nearly 75% following a sharp decline in applications after the visa fee was reportedly increased to around ₹90 lakh.

The H-1B visa is mandatory for hiring foreign professionals in specialized fields in the United States. Each year, only 85,000 visas are issued. Changes to the visa rules were introduced last year under former US President Donald Trump.

Under the revised norms, the visa fee was significantly increased, and the traditional lottery system was modified. Preference is now given to candidates eligible for higher-paying jobs, with up to four chances in the lottery system. Legal challenges related to the revised fee structure are currently pending in US courts.

The policy changes have impacted Indian IT professionals aspiring to work in the US. Due to the higher costs and stricter norms, American companies have reduced their sponsorship of H-1B visas.

Typically, around 700,000 applications are received annually for H-1B visas. However, this year, the number has dropped sharply to about 235,000 applications.

As a result, the lottery-based selection rate for H-1B applicants has reached a new high. Earlier, the chances of selection stood at around 33%, but this year it has increased to nearly 75%.

Meanwhile, US IT companies are increasingly investing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and are shifting their focus towards hiring experienced professionals. While this trend poses challenges for young Indian engineers, it has opened up greater opportunities for highly skilled candidates.