USCIS announced significant changes to the H-1B visa program, set to take effect on February 27, 2026. The new regulations will replace the current lottery system with a points-based evaluation, affecting applicants’ chances based on their qualifications and salary levels.
Key Details:
- New system: Points-based evaluation replaces random lottery for FY 2027 cap.
- Stricter vetting: Expanded online and social media reviews are now in place for H-1B and H-4 applicants.
- New fee: A $100,000 fee for high-paid roles will be introduced in late 2025, pending court challenges.
- Increased costs: USCIS has already raised multiple H-1B-related fees as of early 2024.
These changes are expected to impact new graduates, especially those seeking entry-level positions, and Indian nationals, who represent the largest applicant pool. The adjustments may also influence hiring strategies within the tech industry, as companies may increasingly favor remote or distributed work setups.
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Source: Arseny Stefanov