Archive · 12 Aug 2025
White House OKs H-1B Visa Overhaul Plan
The US government is changing how it picks people for H-1B visas, which let skilled foreign workers work here.
Instead of a lottery, they may now choose based on skills, experience, and salary.
This could mean the most qualified and highest-paid workers get the visas.
A similar plan was proposed before but stopped.
This change could affect who can work in the US.
White House approved a new rule to change H-1B visa allocation.
Selection criteria will consider skills, experience and salary.
The Immigration Act of 1990 set the H-1B annual limit at 65,000.
In 2004, the annual limit increased to 85,000.
The new selection procedure may be implemented by March 2026.
- Who
- The White House, Department of Homeland Security, and USCIS.
- What
- A new rule to change the H-1B visa selection process based on applicant skills, experience, and salary.
- When
- The new selection procedure might be implemented by March 2026.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To potentially prioritize higher-skilled, higher-paid foreign workers.
Proponents of Wage-Based System
Critics of Wage-Based System
Wage vs. Job Security
Proponents of Wage-Based System
Prioritize high-skilled, high-wage workers
Critics of Wage-Based System
Undermines US job market
- Proposed Rule
- Wage-based selection for H-1B visas
- Annual Limit (1990)
- 65,000 visas
- Annual Limit (2004)
- 85,000 visas
- Previous Selection
- Random lottery
- Implementing date
- March 2026
