Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Cognizant sharply reduced their H-1B lottery registrations for fiscal year 2027, according to an October 14, 2026, Congressional Research Service (CRS) report.
Compared with the previous cap season, Cognizant submitted 100% fewer registrations, while registrations from Infosys and TCS fell by 91% and 95%, respectively. The three companies had been among the employers submitting the most registrations for FY 2026. (everycrsreport.com)
For international students and technology professionals, the decline suggests that H-1B sponsorship opportunities at some major IT services companies may be narrowing. However, it does not mean that the annual H-1B cap has been reduced or that every applicant’s selection odds have improved.
The CRS report compared employer participation in the FY 2026 and FY 2027 H-1B cap seasons:
| Employer | Change in FY 2027 registrations |
|---|---|
| Cognizant | 100% decrease |
| Infosys | 91% decrease |
| Tata Consultancy Services | 95% decrease |
An H-1B registration is an employer’s entry into the cap-selection process for a specific beneficiary. It is not an approved petition, visa or guaranteed job placement.
The report identifies the declines as part of a broader reduction in filings for workers coming from outside the United States. It does not establish that government policy alone caused the decisions made by Cognizant, Infosys or TCS. Company hiring plans, business demand, workforce deployment and sponsorship policies could also influence registration numbers. (everycrsreport.com)
Several policy changes have increased the cost and complexity of H-1B sponsorship.
Most importantly, the Department of Homeland Security replaced equal-probability selection with a wage-weighted process. The final rule became effective on February 27, 2026, and applied to the FY 2027 cap season. Higher-paid positions generally receive more weight, although positions at every wage level remain eligible for selection. (public-inspection.federalregister.gov)
Readers can review how the system works in Day1CPT.org’s guide to the FY 2027 H-1B wage-level weighted lottery.
Other developments include:
The proposed $103,265 fee should not be confused with either the earlier $100,000 payment policy or an H-1B worker’s salary.
The lower numbers from these three companies may mean fewer H-1B sponsorship opportunities through those employers, especially for candidates seeking placement through large IT services firms.
However, applicants should keep three distinctions in mind:
For F-1 students working through Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT, the practical question is whether a specific employer will sponsor the position and whether the job, salary, occupation and worksite support an accurate H-1B filing. Day1CPT.org’s H-1B salary and wage-level guide explains how required wages vary by occupation and location.
Employer sponsorship policies may continue to change as the government’s fee proposals, wage rules and litigation develop.
Prospective applicants should confirm sponsorship plans directly with an employer rather than relying on the company’s historical H-1B filing volume. Workers with case-specific questions should consult the employer’s immigration team or a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions about employment or immigration status.
No. The CRS report shows a 100% year-over-year decline in Cognizant’s FY 2027 lottery registrations, but it does not establish a permanent companywide ban on future H-1B sponsorship. Employer policies can also differ between cap-subject registrations, cap-exempt cases, extensions, transfers and other petition types.
Not necessarily. Overall selection odds depend on the complete registration pool and the wage levels assigned to all eligible beneficiaries. A decline from three large employers could reduce competition, but the FY 2027 weighted-selection system prevents a simple one-registration, one-chance comparison.
Not by itself. Cap registrations concern prospective cap-subject employment. They are separate from an existing worker’s approved H-1B status, an extension petition or an H-1B change-of-employer petition. Other policy or employment developments may still affect individual workers.
No. As of October 19, 2026, the $103,265 DHS fee remains a proposed rule. It has not become a final, effective filing requirement. It is also separate from the $100,000 payment policy introduced in September 2025.