The US is tightening H-1B visa rules. The Trump administration plans to revamp the lottery system to make it harder for foreigners to secure jobs in America.
Homeland Security has proposed replacing the random H-1B lottery with a wage-based system. Higher-paid, highly skilled workers would get more chances, reshaping the tech hiring landscape.
The changes could roll out by 2026. Officials say this will reduce fraud and reserve visas for top talent. Critics warn it may shut out smaller firms that rely on global workers.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) projects H-1B wages to cross $500 million in 2026 and touch $2 billion by 2029. While good news for high-skilled workers, it could burden firms unable to match big tech salaries.
Indian IT workers, who make up over 70% of H-1B visas, will feel the pinch. Big tech may adapt, but smaller IT companies could struggle as wage and fee hikes hit hard.
Critics say the move revives Trump’s “America First” agenda, curbing foreign talent and slowing innovation. The rule is open to public comment before becoming law.
A crackdown called Project Firewall will target misuse of H-1B visas in staffing and consulting. This comes amid backlash after tech giants cut US jobs while sponsoring visas.
For many foreign workers, especially Indians, the H-1B path is narrowing. Alternatives like EB-1A green cards may become more attractive as the US shifts toward stricter visa rules.
