H-1B Visa Filings Decline at Tech Giants

Federal data reveals a marked decrease in H-1B visa filings by leading technology companies, a trend occurring alongside substantial layoffs and stricter regulations governing the visa process. Companies like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft are experiencing increased challenges in securing visas for foreign workers.

New Regulations and Increased Costs

Changes to the Visa Program

Alterations to the H-1B work visa program, implemented since September, have resulted in increased costs and more rigorous evaluations for applicants. These changes, initially set in motion by the Trump administration, aimed to prioritize higher-paid applicants and impose fees on petitions.

Tech Layoffs Contribute to Reduced Demand

Prominent tech companies have been implementing consecutive rounds of workforce reductions, further contributing to the decline in demand for new foreign workers. The Department of Labor data shows a reduction in certified H-1B visa applications during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 (October-December) compared to the previous year.

Company-Specific Declines

Amazon, historically a major sponsor of H-1B visas, saw a decrease in applications from 4,647 in the first quarter of 2025 to 3,057 in the first quarter of 2026. Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft also experienced declines, with Meta and Google seeing roughly a 50% reduction in applications. Similar trends were observed at IBM, Salesforce, and Tesla, according to Business Insider.

Company Responses

Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Intel declined to comment on the matter. Amazon, Apple, Cisco, IBM, Nvidia, Oracle, Salesforce, and Tesla did not respond to requests for comment.

Nvidia Stands Out

An Exception to the Trend

Notably, Nvidia’s H-1B filings increased year-over-year, rising from 369 in the first quarter of 2025 to 434 in the corresponding period of 2026. CEO Jensen Huang has publicly affirmed the company’s commitment to hiring immigrants, even after the introduction of a $100,000 application fee.

Expert Analysis and Context

According to Jason Finkelman, a Texas-based immigration attorney, companies are now facing increased scrutiny of all visa applications. He also noted that the first quarter typically sees lower filings as employers focus on renewals and job transfers, with a surge expected in the second quarter during the H-1B lottery.

Industry Shifts and Future Outlook

The convergence of stricter regulations, a shifting economic landscape, and strategic workforce adjustments by tech companies has led to a noticeable decrease in H-1B visa filings. This signals a potential evolution in the industry’s approach to acquiring foreign talent. Companies are becoming more selective in whom they sponsor, as evidenced by recent layoffs at Amazon, Meta, Google, and Microsoft.