A key change in H-1B visas is ...priority to skills – wages

The United States is set to introduce major changes to the H-1B visa issuance process. The existing random lottery system will be replaced with a new framework that prioritizes candidates with higher skills and better salary levels.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the new rule will come into effect from February 27 next year and will also apply to the FY-2027 H-1B cap registration season.

According to DHS, the objective of this reform is to protect job opportunities, working conditions, and wages of U.S. workers. The department noted that the current lottery system has been misused by several companies to hire foreign workers at lower wages. The new system aims to curb such practices and ensure a more merit-based visa allocation process.