H-1B Visa reform cuts unreasonable registrations by 38%: A deep dive on USCIS changes

How USCIS ‘receiving centric process is transformed the H-1B visa system in 2025

In a marked step to improve justice and transparency, US citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have revised H-1B-Visa Selection Process for the financial year 2025. The new recipient-centric system that prioritizes individual recipients rather than employer submissions has already been shown to be effective at to limit false practices and reduce the registration numbers by 38%. Here’s all you need to know about these transformative changes.
Understand the receiving centric selection system
The core change in the H-1B process has been switched to a recipient-centric selection system. According to the previous approach, employers could submit multiple registrations for a single recipient and increase their chances of selection. However, the new system limits each support recipient to a registration, regardless of how many employers are submitted on their behalf. This adjustment ensures a fairer process where all recipients have a equal opportunity to be selected.
As reported by USCIS, this reform is designed to eliminate the benefits that employers previously had that submitted several applications to the same candidate. “The new process ensures a more just and more transparent choice, reducing the ability to manipulate the system,” USCIS said.
Great influence on the FY 2025 -Registration Period
The changes have already had a significant impact on the FY 2025 H-1B registration period. USCIS received 479,953 total registrations, with 470,342 considered justified. However, this marked a significant decrease from the 758,994 eligible registrations in FY 2024, a reduction of 38.6%. In addition, the average number of registrations fell. Recipient from 1.70 in FY 2024 to 1.06 in FY 2025, indicating that attempts to get unreasonable benefits were minimized.
In FY 2025, approx. 442,000 unique recipients registered, almost identical to 446,000 in FY 2024. The number of employers remained stable at around 52,700, corresponding to the previous year. However, the most important takeaway is the dramatic decrease in the number of registrations signaling success with the new system of limiting abuse.
Registration Distribution for FY 2025
CAP fiscal year Total registrations qualified registrations Unique recipients selected registrations
2025 479,953 470,342 442,000 120.603
2024 780,884 758,994 446,000 188,400
Improving integrity and prevention of fraud
Another important aspect of the reform is the introduction of stricter fraud prevention measures. USCIS now requires registrants to provide valid passport information for each recipient. This additional layer of verification aims to eliminate attempts to play the system by submitting false or duplicate registrations.
USCIS has emphasized that all registrants who try to incorrectly represent information will have serious consequences, including disqualification of their petitions and possible litigation. “We are obliged to ensure that only those who follow the rules have a reasonable shot on being elected,” USCIS confirmed.
What this means to employers and applicants
For employers and applicants, the new system means a streamlined and more transparent process. With fewer registrations and focus on justice, there will be less uncertainty and less competition driven by strategic bulk causes. As USCIS continues to refine its selection process, applicants can expect a more predictable and fair system, while employers can safely navigate the process by knowing that their registrations will be evaluated based on profits and legitimacy.
Looking ahead: The future of H-1B selection
With the successful implementation of Recipient -centric process In the FY 2025, the future of the H-1B selection system looks promising. These changes not only improve the overall integrity of the program, but also places the United States as a leader in attracting global talent. As USCIS continues to monitor and refine the system, the agency remains dedicated to ensuring that only the most qualified persons are chosen to contribute to the US workforce.
The reforms in place are expected to continue to have a positive effect as the FY 2026 registration period is approaching, ensuring that the H-1B visa process remains competitive, fair and transparent in the coming years.