U.S. H-1B Visa Fees Reduced: Foreign Students Benefit as Tech Giants Adjust Hiring Practices

New Delhi / February 12, 2026: The H-1B visa, a popular route for foreign workers seeking employment in the United States, has seen significant changes that are now benefiting students studying in U.S. universities. Following a hike in visa fees last September, U.S. companies have adopted new hiring strategies, making it easier for foreign students to secure jobs.

H-1B Fee Hike and Its Impact
Last September, former President Donald Trump’s administration increased H-1B visa fees to $100,000, making it expensive for U.S. companies to hire foreign workers. The decision particularly affected small startups, while larger tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google were better positioned to absorb the cost. However, many large firms have now found ways to bypass the high fees, creating new opportunities for foreign students.

Changes in H-1B Allocation and Lottery
H-1B visas are primarily used by sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance. Each year, 85,000 new H-1B visas are issued, including 20,000 reserved for foreign students with master’s degrees or higher from U.S. universities. In addition to raising the fees, the U.S. government recently revised the lottery system used to allocate visas. Under the new rules, priority is given to candidates offering higher salaries, favoring large tech firms that are known to pay top compensation.

OPT and STEM-OPT Programs Offer Alternatives
Students studying in the U.S. can work for up to 12 months under Optional Practical Training (OPT). Those in STEM fields can extend their work authorization to three years under the STEM-OPT program. Many large tech companies are now directly hiring these students through OPT/STEM-OPT rather than relying on H-1B visas. This allows students to work in the U.S. for up to three years without incurring expensive visa fees.

Tech Giants’ Strategic Hiring
Experts note that when large tech firms sponsor an H-1B visa, it becomes easier for the applicant to secure approval due to the higher salary offered. Additionally, these companies can choose to employ foreign workers at offices outside the U.S., giving them flexibility while reducing dependence on H-1B visas.

Overall, these changes have created a win-win situation: foreign students gain easier access to U.S. employment opportunities, while companies optimize costs and continue hiring highly skilled talent.