USCIS has reported a significant decline in approval rates for specialty occupation visas, reaching a 21-year low of 71.9%. This drop coincides with a 37% decrease in new initial approvals, which fell to approximately 120,000. The agency’s heightened scrutiny on employer-employee relationships and wage compliance appears to be the driving force behind these changes, particularly affecting new Indian tech talent seeking entry into the U.S. job market.
Key Details:
- Current approval rate: 71.9%, a 21-year low
- New initial approvals: ~120,000, down 37% from previous years
- Total renewals/extensions approved: 328,000, indicating stability in existing cases
- Increased scrutiny focuses on specialty occupations, wages, and employer-employee relationships
This trend signals a challenging environment for new applicants, particularly those from India, who are facing the toughest barriers in a decade. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.
Source: @techie_ramsy