White House Approves Major H-1B Visa Overhaul to Wage-Based System
The White House has given the green light to a proposal that would fundamentally alter the H-1B visa program, replacing the current lottery system with a wage-based model. Under the new rules, securing an H-1B visa would require a salary in the range of $130,000 to $150,000, a dramatic increase from current standards.
This shift is poised to have a varied impact on foreign professionals. Experienced workers with high salaries may find the process more predictable, potentially opening up clearer pathways to permanent residency. However, international students and recent graduates, who typically do not earn such high wages in their first jobs, could face significant barriers to entry.
The rule is expected to be formally published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), followed by a 30-to-60-day public comment period. While legal challenges and delays are anticipated, the new system is projected to take effect as early as 2026 or 2027. Experts suggest that as a result of this change, alternative visas like the O-1, which is based on individual merit rather than a salary requirement, may become a more popular option for a broader range of skilled professionals.
