A new United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disclosure highlights the intense demand for U.S. work visas: over 200,000 H-1B applicants paid a $100,000 fee to speed up their entry process during fiscal year 2026. Federal immigration officials told lawmakers that DHS has logged roughly 286,000 H-1B applications this fiscal year, with more than seven in ten applicants opting to pay extra for expedited processing.
H-1B Premium Processing by the Numbers
⇒ Roughly 286,000 skilled worker visa applications have been submitted in FY 2026.
⇒ More than 70% of applicants opted for premium processing.
⇒ Over 200,000 applicants paid the $100,000 expedited processing fee.
⇒ Premium applications are typically processed in about 15 days.
⇒ Standard processing can take approximately seven and a half months.
Industries Driving Demand for Skilled Foreign Workers
The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialized occupations, including technology, engineering, healthcare, research, and education. For many employers, faster processing can be critical for meeting hiring timelines, filling workforce gaps, and avoiding project delays. During the hearing, lawmakers questioned whether the fee creates challenges for organizations serving critical public needs.
Also Read: M-1 Student Visa Guide (2026)
Lawmakers Seek Relief for Essential Workers
Some lawmakers questioned whether hospitals, healthcare providers, and schools facing staffing shortages should be required to pay the same premium processing fees as large corporations. They urged DHS to consider exemptions or accommodations for employers recruiting essential workers in underserved communities.
Also Read: Updated F-1, F-2A, F-2B, F-3, F-4 Family Visa Categories
DHS Response
In response to questions from lawmakers, DHS said it would explore possible accommodations for employers recruiting workers for essential roles. The agency noted that healthcare and education could be among the sectors considered for special treatment.
For now, one conclusion is clear. A six-figure processing fee has done little to dampen demand for H-1B visas. Instead, the latest data shows that employers and skilled workers continue to place enormous value on timely access to the U.S. labor market, even when the cost is exceptionally high.
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