The decline in H-1B visa lottery applications this year is a notable outcome of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) efforts to tackle fraudulent practices within the system. Compared to the previous year, there has been a substantial drop of almost 40% in the number of entries for the lottery in 2024. Despite this decline, the overall number of applicants has remained relatively steady, with a slight decrease observed.Â
This reduction can be primarily attributed to the USCIS's crackdown on individuals attempting to exploit the system by submitting multiple entries, which was seen as an unfair advantage. To address this issue, the USCIS introduced a new rule allowing only one entry per individual, aiming to ensure fairness and integrity in the visa lottery process. USCIS Director Ur Jaddou reiterated the agency's commitment to fairness and efficiency in administering the visa program.Â
It's important to note that these changes may have implications for the distribution of visas, particularly for Indian tech professionals who have historically secured a significant portion of H-1B visas. Overall, the decrease in fraudulent applications reflects the USCIS's dedication to upholding the credibility and transparency of the visa allocation process.
