Archive · 28 Jul 2026
US Bill Proposes 3-Year H-1B Visa Pause
A US senator has introduced a bill that could pause new H-1B visas for three years.
The bill aims to change the H-1B program to focus on filling specialized jobs where American companies cannot find enough qualified workers.
It proposes a $100,000 fee for every H-1B petition, a wage-based selection system, and bans on concurrent employment and dependent visas.
If passed, it could significantly affect Indian professionals who receive a large share of H-1B visas every year.
The bill is still in the US Senate and has not become law yet.
US Senator Tim Sheehy introduced the End H-1B Abuse Act proposing a three-year pause on new H-1B visas.
The bill aims to restore the H-1B program to its original purpose and strengthen safeguards.
Proposed changes include a $100,000 fee per H-1B petition, a wage-based selection system, and bans on concurrent employment and dependent visas.
The bill could significantly impact Indian professionals who receive a large share of H-1B visas annually.
The bill is still in the US Senate and has not become law yet.
- Who
- US Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana
- What
- Introduction of the End H-1B Abuse Act
- When
- Current status: Bill introduced in the US Senate
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To restore the H-1B program to its original purpose, strengthen safeguards, reduce fraud, and put American workers first
Supporters of the Bill
Opponents of the Bill
Purpose of the H-1B Program
Supporters of the Bill
The H-1B program should be used to fill specialized jobs where American companies cannot find enough qualified workers, not to replace American workers with lower-cost foreign labor.
Opponents of the Bill
The H-1B program is essential for filling critical skill gaps in the US workforce and should continue to support American companies in hiring skilled foreign professionals.
Impact on American Workers
Supporters of the Bill
The bill aims to restore the program to its original purpose, strengthen safeguards, reduce fraud, and put American workers first.
Opponents of the Bill
The bill could lead to higher costs for companies and fewer opportunities for skilled foreign professionals, potentially harming the US economy and innovation.
- Bill Introduced By
- Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana
- Proposed Pause Duration
- 3 years
- Proposed Fee per H-1B Petition
- USD 100,000 (Rs 96,00,000)
- Current Status
- Bill introduced in the US Senate, not yet law
- Impact on Indian Professionals
- Potential significant impact due to large share of H-1B visas received by Indians