The issuance of H-1B work visas in the United States has varied over the past decade, reflecting changes in policy and economic demands. Data indicates a general increase in approvals, with shifts in denial rates linked to administrative decisions.
From 2022, approvals rose significantly, reaching an estimated 300,000 in 2024. The decline in denial rates has benefited industries reliant on specialised foreign talent, including technology, healthcare, and finance. This trend follows policy adjustments under the Biden administration, reversing restrictions introduced between 2018 and 2019.
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During that period, the Trump administration implemented stricter scrutiny of applications, leading to a peak in denial rates. Subsequent policy reversals have contributed to a resurgence in visa issuances, with demand for skilled professionals remaining strong.
The future of the H-1B programme will depend on economic conditions, labour market needs, and potential legislative reforms. While approval rates have stabilised, any policy shifts could impact the flow of foreign talent into the U.S. Sectors requiring specialised skills will continue to monitor these developments closely as regulatory decisions shape access to the visa programme in the coming years.
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Here are H-1B work visa issuances and denials in the last 10 years (2015-2025) compiled by DAAD Scholarship.
H-1B visa issuance trends (2015-2024)
The number of H-1B visas issued annually has risen steadily, with occasional fluctuations:
Fiscal year — H-1B visas issued
- 2015 — 172,748
- 2016 — 180,057
- 2017— 179,049
- 2018 — 179,660
- 2019 — 188,123
- 2020 — 180,403
- 2021 — 197,000
- 2022 — 265,777
- 2023 — 280,000
- 2024 — 300,000 (estimated)
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A sharp increase was recorded in 2022, likely due to policy adjustments following the COVID-19 pandemic. Demand for skilled workers has continued to rise, with an estimated 300,000 visas issued in 2024.
H-1B Visa Denial Rates (2013-2024)
Denial rates have varied significantly over the past decade, influenced by administrative policies:
Fiscal year — Denial rate
- 2013 — 7%
- 2014 — 8%
- 2015 — 6%
- 2016 — 10%
- 2017 — 13%
- 2018 — 24%
- 2019 — 21%
- 2020 — 13%
- 2021 — 4%
- 2022 — 2.2%
- 2023 — 3.5%
- 2024 — 2.5%
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The highest denial rates were recorded in 2018 and 2019, reaching 24% amid restrictive immigration policies. However, the approval process eased from 2021 onwards, with denial rates dropping to 2.2% in 2022 and stabilising at 2.5% in 2024.
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