Archive · 1 Oct 2025
US H-1B Visa Overhaul Expected, Effective February 2026
The US is changing how it grants H-1B visas for skilled workers.
Starting in February 2026, new petitions will require a $100,000 fee.
Current lottery system is considered flawed, as it allows for tech consultants to come into the US, rather than highly skilled individuals like doctors and educators.
The goal is to have better qualified workers in the United States.
This program is designed to benefit the highly-skilled workers in the United States.
US to overhaul H-1B visa process, with fee and system changes.
A $100,000 fee will be imposed on new petitions, effective February 2026.
Howard Lutnick views the current visa process as flawed.
Current lottery system criticized for potentially allowing entry of lower-skilled workers.
Project Firewall launched to ensure employers prioritize American workers.
- Who
- Howard Lutnick, Donald Trump Administration, US Department of Labour
- What
- Changes to H-1B visa program, including a fee increase and system overhaul
- When
- Effective February 2026
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To prioritize skilled workers and address perceived issues.
- New Fee
- $100,000 for new petitions
- Implementation Date
- February 2026
- Current System
- Lottery
- Desired Skill Level
- Prioritize Highly-Skilled Workers
- Objective
- Eliminate Inexpensive Tech Consultants
Sources
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US warns of more 'significant' changes in H1B visa
'Significant' H1B Visa Changes Before 2026
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Signals 'Significant' Number Of H-1B Visa Changes Before 2026
$100,000 H-1B visa fee unlikely to create a big margin dent; Crisil says ony 10-20 bps hit likely
Trump's H-1B visa fee hike: Canadian PM Mark Carney says ‘you are changing visa policy, maybe…’
H-1B Shake-Up: Will Trump’s Weighted Visa System Hurt Indian IT, Or Hand It A Surprise Advantage?
US signals H-1B overhaul days after fee hike, calls influx of cheap tech consultants with families ‘just wrong’
