The H-1B visa is becoming increasingly expensive and competitive, prompting skilled foreign workers to explore premium visa options for working and settling in the United States.
Immigration consultants report a growing interest in alternatives like the O-1, EB-1A, EB-2, and L-1 visas, which are designed for individuals with extraordinary abilities.
H-1B Visa: High Costs Could Reduce Hiring
The cost of hiring foreign talent under the H-1B visa is set to rise significantly.
Previously under $10,000, US employers may now face fees of up to $100,000 per employee.
Additionally, the wage-based selection system, once implemented, could make it harder for employers to hire foreign workers.
Frederick Ng, co-founder of Beyond Border, explains: “The fee hike didn’t create a new problem — it exposed an old one.
Highly skilled workers relied on the restrictive H-1B lottery for years, unaware of better options.
Recent changes are pushing India’s top talent to explore new pathways to the US.”
Exploring H-1B Alternatives
O-1 Visa: This visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in fields such as science, arts, education, business, athletics, or the entertainment industry.
O-1 visas have consistently high approval rates, above 89–92% from 2016 to 2023, making them a reliable alternative.
EB-1A and EB-2 Visas: These are employment-based green cards for individuals of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, or executives with advanced degrees.
EB-1A is the first-preference category, while EB-2 applies to those with exceptional abilities or advanced qualifications.
L-1 Visa: The L-1A visa allows a US employer to transfer executives or managers from foreign offices to the US, or for a foreign company to send an executive to establish a US office.
The employer must file a Form I-129 petition on behalf of the employee.
With the H-1B becoming more costly and competitive, skilled workers are increasingly exploring these alternative visas that offer higher approval rates and better opportunities to work and settle in the US.
