H-1B visa holders are facing mounting challenges in the US labor market as competition grows and application processes become more difficult. A Bay Area tech professional shared on Reddit that their employer’s PERM procedure stalled after the Labor Market Test produced an unusually high number of US applicants.
The user, an Oracle and SAP Manager since 2020, expressed frustration over the development. “Honestly did not expect this since role is very niche, but looks like market is like this nowadays. Feeling very tense because green card is main plan for long-term settlement,” the post read.
Recent changes to visa rules under President Donald Trump’s administration have added pressure to applicants. Another Reddit user pointed to increasing competition, saying, “Americans are now far more aware of where companies are placing these ads, and there’s usually plenty of applicants in this layoff heavy environment. Its gonna be near impossible to legitimately pass a LMT.”
A third user suggested possible strategies for navigating the system, noting that smaller consultancies or less desirable locations could present fewer obstacles. “A less desirable locations like rural, low-demand areas, one may find it easier to pass the LMT, as fewer US workers apply or meet the minimum qualifications,” the comment stated.
Some contributors also raised concerns about misuse of the process. One user alleged that certain individuals on X were applying for PERM positions despite lacking qualifications, which they warned could harm H-1B workers. “It’s not going to give them a job just gonna mess it up for everyone,” the user said.
The discussion reflects growing tension among visa holders who depend on employment-based permanent residency for long-term stability in the US.
