US Visa Shift: O-1 issuance reaches all-time high as foreign workers seek alternatives to expensive H-1B

A clear trend in the hiring of foreign workers is emerging in the US job market. H-1B filings are seen to be falling sharply from large IT services firms. At the same time, O-1 visa approvals have reached nearly 39,000, an all-time high as O-1 visas continue to record over 90% approval rates across administrations.

H-1B visas have become more expensive and competitive for foreign skilled workers, who are increasingly opting for other visa alternatives. Skilled foreign workers are considering shifting from H-1B visas to other options, such as O-1 visas.