Big change in H-1B visa: lottery to end, salary and skills will decide entry into the US

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A major change is set to impact millions of foreign professionals aspiring to work in the United States, as the H-1B visa system is moving away from the long-standing random lottery process. The US will now introduce a wage-weighted selection system, under which candidates offering higher salaries and possessing advanced skills will be given priority.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has clarified that H-1B visas will no longer be decided by chance, but on the basis of merit, skill level, and offered wages. This shift is part of policies promoted under the Trump administration, aimed at protecting the US job market from an influx of lower-paid foreign workers.

According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) spokesperson Matthew Tragesser, the existing lottery system was allegedly misused by several employers. Authorities claim that some companies used the H-1B route to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign professionals.

Under the new rules, a weighted selection process will be implemented, giving greater preference to high-paying and highly skilled roles. This change is expected to benefit senior-level and specialized professionals, while entry-level or low-salary positions may find it harder to secure H-1B visas. The new regulation will come into effect from 27 February 2026 and will influence upcoming H-1B cap registration seasons.

Earlier, the Trump administration had also announced an additional $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, a move that faced legal challenges. Alongside this, a $1 million ‘Gold Card’ visa scheme has been proposed to provide a pathway to US citizenship for wealthy investors. The US government has stated that these initiatives are intended to promote merit-based immigration.

Supporters argue that the H-1B program helps fill talent gaps in sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology, strengthening America’s innovation capacity. Critics, however, maintain that the visa is often used for junior roles, putting pressure on wages and job opportunities for American workers.