Archive · 15 Aug 2025
US to Implement Wage-Based System for H-1B Visas
The US is changing how it picks foreign workers for certain jobs (H-1B visas).
Instead of a lottery, the new system will choose people based on how much they are paid.
Those offered higher salaries will have a better chance.
This change could make it harder for people with lower-paying jobs to get these visas, while potentially benefiting those in high-paying, specialized roles.
The goal is to stop companies from using the program for cheaper, lower-skill jobs.
The US plans to change the H-1B visa selection process to a wage-based system.
The new system will prioritize candidates based on their salaries.
Workers with lower salaries may face fewer opportunities.
The H-1B program allows companies to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialized fields.
The proposed changes aim to end the abuse of the program for lower-paying positions.
- Who
- USCIS, US employers, foreign workers (especially those with specialized skills)
- What
- The US is implementing a wage-based system for selecting H-1B visa applicants.
- When
- Likely to be introduced for the Fiscal Year 2027 H-1B filing season, starting March 2026.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To prioritize higher-skilled and higher-paid workers, and to reduce abuse of the H-1B program.
Potential Negative Impacts
Potential Benefits
Impact on Entry-Level Workers
Potential Negative Impacts
May disadvantage early-career professionals with entry-level salaries.
Potential Benefits
Not explicitly mentioned in this article.
Impact on US Businesses
Potential Negative Impacts
Mid-sized US firms including start-ups may struggle to hire foreign workers.
Potential Benefits
Not explicitly mentioned in this article.
- Visa Program
- H-1B
- Change
- Wage-based selection
- Selection Criteria
- Wage level
- Impacted Groups
- Foreign workers, particularly those in entry-level positions
- Annual Cap
- 85,000
- Proposed Implementation
- Fiscal Year 2027
Sources
Over 4.2 lakh Indian students face uncertainty as US plans fixed term student visas
‘Trump has effectively banned Indians’: H-1B techies react to new wage-based system
US Student Visa Rules Are Changing: Key Points F-1 And J-1 Holders Must Know
