Washington: A large number of foreign professionals seeking employment opportunities in the United States opted for an expensive fast-track H-1B visa route this year, according to a senior American official.
Speaking before a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin revealed that more than 200,000 applicants paid USD 100,000 each under a premium processing mechanism linked to H-1B visa applications for the 2026 fiscal year.
Mullin informed lawmakers that the department received approximately 286,000 H-1B visa applications during the current cycle. He noted that a significant majority of applicants chose the higher-fee option to accelerate the processing of their cases.
The remarks came during a discussion on workforce shortages in the United States, particularly in rural healthcare systems where the availability of qualified professionals remains a concern. Senators raised questions regarding immigration pathways that could help address gaps in critical sectors such as medicine and healthcare.
The H-1B visa programme remains one of the most sought-after employment-based immigration routes, allowing US employers to hire foreign workers in specialised fields including technology, engineering, healthcare and research.
Demand for the visa continues to far exceed the number of slots available each year, resulting in intense competition among applicants and employers. The latest figures indicate that many candidates are willing to incur substantial costs in hopes of securing quicker processing and improving their chances of entering the US workforce.
Immigration experts say the data reflects the continuing global demand for American employment opportunities despite evolving visa regulations and heightened scrutiny of immigration programmes.
The H-1B visa remains a key pathway for skilled professionals from several countries, particularly those working in science, technology, engineering and medical fields. The latest disclosure has reignited discussions around immigration policies, workforce requirements and the growing financial burden associated with employment-based visa applications in the United States.
