Big Tech H-1B filings drop amid layoffs, costs

Major technology firms including Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft have significantly reduced their H-1B visa filings for foreign workers. This sharp decline, observed in late 2025 and the first quarter of fiscal 2026, is attributed to a combination of widespread layoffs within these companies and increased scrutiny and costs associated with U.S. immigration policies. The trend indicates a strategic shift by Big Tech in managing their workforce and navigating a more restrictive immigration landscape. This reduction in H-1B applications reflects broader economic pressures and policy changes impacting the tech industry's global talent acquisition strategies.