US proposes H-1B visa reforms: $100,000 fee for new applicants stays, lottery shifts to weighted system favoring higher wages. [Photo: Reuters]
The H-1B visa, one of the most in-demand work permits in the US, is facing big changes again. This is mainly used by Indian tech professionals and US employers in fields such as IT, healthcare, and engineering. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has now proposed new guidelines to change the way the H-1B lottery operates, just days after President Donald Trump announced a hefty $100,000 cost for new applicants.
The proposal signals the Trump administration’s broader push to tighten immigration rules, prioritize higher-skilled foreign workers, and protect American wages. It revives some of the ideas from Trump’s first term in office, which were later blocked or withdrawn.
ALSO READ: What Happened to the ‘Great Friendship’ The Two Faces of Trump’s India Policy at UNGA
DHS has suggested replacing the current pure lottery with a weighted lottery system. This means applicants at higher wage levels will have better odds of selection. The intention is to favour highly paid and highly skilled professionals, while still giving lower wage level workers a chance.
“The intention is also to maintain the opportunity for employers to secure H-1B workers at all wage levels,” DHS said.
The one-time $100,000 fee will remain in place. It applies only to new applicants. Current H-1B holders and those seeking renewals will not need to pay it.
ALSO READ: China Joins US Club with EMALS-Equipped Aircraft Carrier, Closing Naval Tech Gap
The cap of 65,000 regular H-1B visas plus 20,000 for advanced degree holders remains unchanged.
The new rules are at the proposal stage. DHS has opened a 30-day window for public comments. If approved, the changes could come into effect for the 2026 lottery cycle, before the March registration period.
The annual lottery cap remains the same. Employers at all wage levels can still apply, but those offering higher salaries will gain more entries into the pool. This ensures that while the system favours higher wages, it doesn’t completely remove chances for smaller businesses or startups.
ALSO READ: Does Tylenol (Paracetamol) Cause Autism? Company Denies Trump’s Claims
Big tech firms might have an easier time adjusting, while smaller enterprises might encounter new challenges. Their chances of winning the weighted lottery are diminished by higher income, since they raise their expenses.
Smaller businesses may be encouraged by this to consider employing people abroad rather than competing in the H-1B system. This means that getting a high-paying job offer will be more important than ever for workers, especially those from India.
ALSO READ: 5 Countries Emerging as Alternatives to the U.S. After H-1B Fee Hike
