Biopharmas cut overseas hiring as H-1B visa rules tighten
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Ongoing changes to the H-1B visa program are reshaping how U.S. biopharma companies hire. Higher fees and a new selection system have led companies to reduce overseas recruitment and prioritize candidates already authorized to work in the United States, with many having already scaled back lottery participation over cost concerns. USCIS reported that eligible registrations fell 38.5%, from 343,981 in fiscal year 2026 to 211,600 in fiscal year 2027. Two federal judges have each blocked the $100,000 new-petition fee, but the broader shift in hiring strategy appears underway. Open questions include how the legal challenges to the fee will resolve and whether further policy changes are coming.
Written by a model from the reports · updated 3 hours ago
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- BioSpacePickAs H-1B visa changes keep coming, biopharmas adjust hiring approach
Changes to H-1B visa fees and selection rules are leading U.S. biopharmas to cut overseas hiring and turn to candidates already authorized to work in the United States. USCIS announced in May that eligible registrations fell 38.5%, from 343,981 in fiscal year 2026 to 211,600 in fiscal year 2027. Two federal judges have each blocked the $100,000 new-petition fee, but companies had already reduced lottery participation over cost concerns.
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