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Timesnow    •    4 min read

US H-1B Shakeup: DHS Proposes Weighted Lottery Favouring High-Paid, Skilled Workers

WHAT'S THE STORY?

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled a major proposal to overhaul the H-1B visa lottery system, moving away from the current random

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selection process. Under the new plan, higher-paid and higher-skilled applicants would receive more entries, significantly increasing their chances of securing a visa.

Boost for Senior Indian Talent

The proposed changes could benefit Indian engineers with advanced degrees or high-salary offers, giving them better odds of selection. With Indians accounting for nearly 70% of H-1B visa holders, the reforms are expected to impact the Indian workforce substantially.


Challenges for Entry-Level Applicants

Fresh graduates and lower-wage applicants from India may find their chances of selection sharply reduced. The shift may make it more difficult for early-career professionals to secure an H-1B, pushing them to reconsider career and salary strategies.

Impact on Students

The proposed rule also affects the 20,000 master’s cap slots in the US, potentially impacting thousands of Indian students pursuing advanced degrees.

Public Feedback Still Open

DHS has invited public comments before finalising the rule, giving Indian trade bodies, tech leaders and other stakeholders an opportunity to weigh in on the changes.

Also Read: H-1B Hurdles? Not for Them! Two Indian-Origin CEOs To Take Charge of Top US Firms Soon

What the US H-1B Offers and Costs


The H-1B visa is designed for foreign professionals to work in specialised fields, particularly STEM. More than 70% of current H-1B holders are Indian nationals, according to US data. The Trump administration's new policy imposes a $100,000 petition fee on fresh applications. The White House framed the change as a national security measure to counter “abuse” of the system.

Initial reports triggered panic among professionals, but White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt later clarified the details.

  • The $100,000 charge is not an annual fee, but a one-time payment for filing new petitions.
  • Existing H-1B holders already in the US will not be affected.
  • Foreign workers with valid H-1B visas outside the US can still re-enter without paying the fee.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed the change applies only prospectively, to petitions not yet filed.

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