Amazon, Google, Meta Slash H-1B Filings as Costs and Scrutiny Rise

Major technology companies including Amazon, Google, and Meta have significantly reduced their H-1B visa petition filings for FY2027, driven by rising costs (including the new supplemental fees), increased regulatory scrutiny, and ongoing layoffs reducing the need for new foreign hires.

Multiple Big Tech

April 2026

United States

Why Does This Company Sponsor Visas?

The new $100,000 supplemental fee for overseas petitions makes bulk H-1B filing economically unfeasible

Wage-based lottery system reduces selection odds for anything below Level III compensation, limiting use cases

Widespread tech layoffs have reduced headcount needs, making new H-1B sponsorship less necessary

Increased USCIS site visits and denial rates have raised compliance costs and processing uncertainty

Companies are shifting to alternative visa categories (O-1, L-1) or remote international employment for foreign talent

Impact Analysis

The plunge in Big Tech H-1B filings marks a structural shift in how U.S. technology companies access global talent. Combined, Amazon, Google, and Meta historically filed over 25,000 H-1B petitions annually -- a figure now expected to decline by 30-50%. The drop will have cascading effects on U.S. immigration law firms, international student employment prospects, and the pipeline of foreign workers who historically transitioned from H-1B to permanent residency. Companies are increasingly exploring alternatives including remote international employment and O-1 extraordinary ability visas.

Source: BenzingaView original

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