DHS Reports 2.86 Lakh H-1B Applications, Over 2 Lakh Opt For $100,000 Fast-Track
US reveals widespread use of costly H-1B fast-track visa processing option.
More than 200,000 applicants paid USD 100,000 each to fast-track their H-1B visa applications in fiscal year 2026, according to testimony given before a US Senate panel by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin. The disclosure has drawn attention to the scale of demand for skilled worker visas in the United States and the growing pressure on immigration processing systems.
Mullin made the remarks while appearing before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, stating that the DHS had received approximately 286,000 H-1B visa applications so far in FY2026. He said that over two lakh applicants opted to pay the substantial fee in exchange for expedited processing, which reduces decision timelines significantly compared to standard applications.
According to Mullin, applicants who pay the premium fee are typically processed within about 15 days, while standard applications can take up to 7.5 months. The fee-based fast-track system has sparked discussion among lawmakers over fairness, access, and the prioritisation of high-demand sectors in the US labour market.
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The issue was raised in the context of labour shortages in critical public services, particularly healthcare. Senator Susan Collins pointed to staffing challenges in rural areas, including a hospital in Presque Isle, Maine, which reportedly paid the fee to recruit an overseas surgeon. She questioned whether exceptions should be considered for medical professionals working in underserved regions where domestic talent is limited.
Collins argued that healthcare roles in rural communities should be treated differently from high-demand corporate sectors, suggesting that access to skilled professionals in areas such as medicine may require more flexible immigration rules. In response, Mullin said the department would review potential adjustments and consider case-by-case flexibility where necessary.
Other lawmakers also raised concerns about workforce shortages extending beyond healthcare. Senator Lisa Murkowski highlighted difficulties in recruiting teachers in rural parts of Alaska and indicated she would follow up on the possibility of expanding H-1B visa provisions to address education sector gaps. The discussions reflect ongoing political debate in Washington over how best to balance domestic labour priorities with the need for skilled foreign workers in essential services.
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