The United States of America has announced a major overhaul of its H-1B work visa programme, scrapping the long-standing lottery system and replacing it with
a process that prioritises higher-paid and higher-skilled foreign workers. The charge has sparked strong reactions among immigrant communities, tech professionals and employers who rely heavily on the visa route.
The US Department of Homeland Security said the revised system aims to better protect American workers by ensuring that foreign hiring does not undercut wages or working conditions. Under the new rules, visas will no longer be distributed randomly; instead, the applications offering higher salaries and requiring advanced skills will carry greater weight during selection.
The decision has drawn attention from countries such as India from where a large number of skilled professionals move to the US each year. While some see the move as a step towards merit-based selection, others fear it could shut the door on younger professionals and smaller firms.
What the new rule changes
According to the DHS, the updated framework replaces what it describes as a “random” and frequently misused lottery system. Officials argued that the earlier process allowed certain employers to flood the system with low-wage applications, reducing opportunities for American workers and distorting the purpose of the H-1B programme.
The department said the weighted selection model would still allow visas at all wage levels, but applicants offering higher salaries and specialised skills would now have a better chance of approval. The annual cap of 65,000 visas remains unchanged, along with an additional 20,000 reserved for applicants holding advanced US degrees.
Timeline and implementation
The new regulations will come into force on February 27, 2026 and will apply to the FY 2027 H-1B cap registration cycle. US Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed that preparations are already under way to transition to the new selection method.
Officials said that the move aligns with broader policy changes under the Trump administration, including steep increases in visa-related fees. DHS has argued that these steps are intended to curb abuse while encouraging employers to invest in top-tier global talent.
The shift marks one of the most significant changes to the H-1B programme in years, reshaping how foreign talent gains access to the American job market.
