Washington | December 2025
In a significant shift to its immigration policy, the United States is preparing to overhaul the H-1B visa programme by phasing out the long-standing lottery system and prioritising applications based on wage levels. The move is expected to favour highly skilled and better-paid foreign professionals, marking a decisive change in how America attracts global talent.
What Is Changing in the H-1B Visa System?
Currently, the H-1B visa programme operates on a random lottery due to high demand, with over 700,000 applications competing annually for just 85,000 visas. Under the proposed reform, US authorities plan to replace this random selection with a merit- and salary-based model, giving preference to employers offering higher wages.
The goal, according to US officials, is to ensure that the programme attracts top-tier global talent while discouraging misuse of the visa route for low-wage hiring.
Why the US Is Ending the Lottery Model
The lottery system has long been criticised for:
- Favouring chance over skill
- Encouraging mass filings by staffing firms
- Allowing lower-paid roles to crowd out highly specialised jobs
By prioritising wage levels, the US aims to:
- Protect domestic workers
- Promote innovation-driven hiring
- Align visas with labour market needs
Officials believe the reform will strengthen the credibility of the H-1B programme and better serve America’s technology, research, and healthcare sectors.
Impact on Indian Professionals and Tech Companies
Indian nationals account for nearly three-fourths of all H-1B approvals, making them the most affected group by this policy shift. While high-earning professionals in AI, data science, semiconductor design, and advanced engineering may benefit, entry-level applicants and mid-tier roles could face tougher competition.
Tech companies may also need to revise compensation structures to remain competitive in sponsoring foreign talent.
What Happens Next?
The US administration is expected to formally implement the changes through regulatory updates rather than congressional approval. Once finalised, the new selection mechanism could be introduced as early as the next H-1B filing cycle.
Immigration experts advise applicants and employers to closely monitor official announcements and prepare for a more competitive, salary-driven visa process.
A Shift Towards Skill-First Immigration
The proposed reform signals a broader trend in US immigration policy — one that places skills, wages, and economic value above random selection. While the move may reduce opportunities for some, it is likely to reshape the global talent pipeline towards higher-end innovation roles.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available reports and official statements. Immigration policies are subject to change. Applicants are advised to consult official US government sources or licensed immigration advisors for the latest updates.
