Story perspectives

H-1B Visa Applications Drop Amid Layoffs, New Restrictions

4/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

H-1B visa applications at major tech firms fell sharply in Q1 FY2026 as layoffs and new restrictions took effect.
Federal data show Amazon's certified applications fell from 4,647 in Q1 2025 to 3,057 in Q1 2026, with Google, Meta, and Microsoft also dropping.
The Trump administration, led by President Donald Trump, implemented rules that made the process costlier and selective, favoring higher-paid applicants.
Nvidia increased its H-1B filings during this period.

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Story summary

H-1B visa applications at major tech firms fell sharply in Q1 FY2026 as layoffs and new restrictions took effect.
Federal data show Amazon's certified applications fell from 4,647 in Q1 2025 to 3,057 in Q1 2026, with Google, Meta, and Microsoft also dropping.
The Trump administration, led by President Donald Trump, implemented rules that made the process costlier and selective, favoring higher-paid applicants.
Nvidia increased its H-1B filings during this period.