The US Department of Homeland Security has announced a major change to the H-1B work visa programme, scrapping the long-running lottery system and introducing a new selection process that prioritises high-skilled and high-paid foreign workers. Under the revised system, visas will no longer be issued randomly. Instead, applications will be ranked to favour professionals offered higher salaries and roles requiring advanced skills. The department said the move aims to curb the misuse of the programme by employers seeking low-cost labour.
“The existing random selection process of H-1B registrations was exploited and abused by US employers who were primarily seeking to import foreign workers at lower wages than they would pay American workers,” Matthew Tragesser, spokesperson for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, told the Associated Press.
Trump administration reshapes H-1B visa rules
The new H-1B visa overhaul comes amid several actions by Donald Trump to tighten and redefine employment-based immigration pathways.
Earlier this year, Trump signed a proclamation imposing an extra $100,000 fee per H-1B visa for highly skilled foreign workers, a move currently facing legal challenges. The administration also introduced a $1 million “gold card” visa as a route to U.S. citizenship for wealthy applicants.
A press release explained that the weighted selection system aligns with other policy changes, including the additional visa fee. For decades, the H-1B program used a lottery system to allocate visas when applications exceeded the annual cap.
H-1B Demand Outpaces Supply, New Rule Targets Skilled Workers
In recent years, demand for H-1B visas has far exceeded supply, with major tech companies among the biggest beneficiaries. This year, Amazon received the most H-1B approvals, over 10,000 visas, followed by Tata Consultancy Services, Microsoft, Apple, and Google. California continues to host the largest share of H-1B workers in the U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that the revised system will implement a weighted selection process, increasing the chances for higher-skilled and higher-paid foreign professionals to secure visas. The new rule will take effect on February 27, 2026, and will apply to the upcoming H-1B cap registration cycle.
The change has received mixed reactions. Supporters argue the H-1B program is crucial for filling labour shortages in sectors like healthcare and education, and helps U.S. companies remain competitive and innovative by recruiting specialized talent that is hard to find domestically.
Critics Question H-1B Program’s Original Purpose
Critics argue that the H-1B program has drifted from its original goal. Many visas are reportedly issued for junior positions rather than truly specialized or senior roles. Although the program includes safeguards to prevent wage suppression and protect American workers, critics say some employers exploit the system by assigning lower wage levels even when hiring experienced professionals.
Currently, the H-1B program allows 65,000 new visas per year, with an additional 20,000 visas reserved for applicants holding a U.S. master’s degree or higher.
