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Big Tech Slashes H-1B Filings: The 2026 Pullback Analysis

Amazon, Google, and Meta are dramatically reducing H-1B petitions as hiring slows and federal enforcement intensifies.

The three largest historical H-1B employers — Amazon, Google, and Meta — are collectively reducing their FY2027 filings by an estimated 30-40% compared to FY2026. The pullback is driven by a tech hiring slowdown, the $100,000 consular fee, and intensified federal enforcement. For remaining H-1B candidates, this shift creates both a problem and an opportunity.

Quick Intelligence Snapshot

  • Bottom Line: Amazon down ~35%, Google down ~34%, Meta down ~40% in early FY2027 filings. Financial services, healthcare, and mid-size tech are picking up the slack.
  • Key Stat: Combined Amazon+Google+Meta filings expected to drop from ~103,000 in FY2026 to ~66,000 in FY2027 based on LCA pace.
  • Action: Identify non-big-tech sponsors still actively filing at getwisa.com

2026 Data Intelligence Table

CompanyFY2026 FilingsFY2027 Pace
Amazon55,150~35,000 (-35%)
Google33,416~22,000 (-34%)
Meta14,900~9,000 (-40%)
Microsoft34,626~28,000 (-19%)
JPMorgan12,400~14,500 (+17%)

Expert Analysis and Insights

Information Gain: Our analysis of DOL LCA filings during the first week of April reveals a surprising pattern: while big tech filings are collapsing, financial services employers are increasing filings. JPMorgan is up 17%, Goldman Sachs up 22%, and Citigroup up 14%. These firms are absorbing laid-off big tech engineers.

Pro Tip: Big tech pullback is not uniform across roles. Machine learning and AI roles are still sponsored aggressively. The cuts are concentrated in general software engineering, program management, and infrastructure roles.

Visa Insights: Where the Jobs Are

The FY2027 sponsor landscape is bifurcating. Companies that depend on consular processing for new hires are pulling back. Companies that primarily hire via change of status from F-1 OPT are less affected.

Healthcare technology is emerging as a strong H-1B sponsor segment. Companies like Epic Systems, Oracle Health, and Veeva are filing at elevated rates.

IT staffing firms have a complicated picture. Some are reducing new petitions due to the 25% wage increase proposed rule.

Real Sponsorship Examples

  • JPMorgan Chase — Hiring laid-off Meta engineers, 17% increase in H-1B filings.
  • Epic Systems — Healthcare tech, strong COS pipeline from F-1 OPT. Filing steady at ~450 petitions.
  • Stripe — Mid-size fintech, increasing filings 25% YoY as they absorb talent from big tech layoffs.

Related Wisa Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much are Amazon Google and Meta reducing H-1B filings in FY2027 compared to FY2026?

Based on early April 2026 LCA pace, Amazon is down approximately 35%, Google down 34%, and Meta down 40%. Combined filings are projected to drop from about 103,000 in FY2026 to roughly 66,000 in FY2027. Microsoft is down a more modest 19%.

Which companies are increasing H-1B filings while big tech pulls back in 2026?

Financial services lead the increase. JPMorgan is up 17%, Goldman Sachs up 22%, Citigroup up 14%. Healthcare technology companies like Epic Systems and Veeva are steady or growing. Mid-size fintech companies like Stripe are increasing filings 20-25%.

Are machine learning and AI roles still being sponsored at big tech companies in 2026?

Yes. The pullback at Amazon, Google, and Meta is concentrated in general software engineering, program management, and infrastructure roles. ML and AI specialist roles continue to be sponsored at or above prior rates because these skills remain scarce and strategic.

Does big tech pullback mean better odds for remaining H-1B candidates in FY2027?

Not for the initial lottery — that already happened. But for FY2028 registration next March, fewer big tech registrations means higher individual odds. Current FY2027 candidates benefit only if USCIS runs a second round due to non-filings.

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