Trump Planning to Scrap H-1B Lottery Process?

Washington: The Trump administration is reportedly preparing a major overhaul of the H-1B visa system, potentially scrapping the existing lottery model. Instead, officials are considering a weighted selection process that would prioritize applicants with higher salaries and stronger skill levels.

Under the proposal, applicants in the highest wage tier could receive up to four entries in the selection pool, while those in the lowest tier would only get one. The objective, according to officials, is to ensure that companies hire highly paid, highly skilled workers and reduce the misuse of the program for cheaper labor.

This development comes shortly after President Trump signed a proclamation introducing a $100,000 fee for each new H-1B application. The White House stated that the measures are designed to protect American workers, discourage fraud, and provide more clarity for genuine employers in hiring foreign talent.

The impact on Indian workers—who account for nearly 70% of all H-1B visas—could be significant. IT giants like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro may face billions of dollars in additional costs, which could result in reduced hiring in the US or shifting more roles back to India.

These discussions are unfolding even as Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal are in Washington, engaging with Trump administration officials on issues related to trade and workforce mobility.