H-1B Visa Bill Proposes End to Lottery and OPT Program, Raises Wage Floor

A new H-1B visa bill has been introduced in the United States. The legislation seeks to end the H-1B lottery, raise the minimum wage for foreign workers, and abolish the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Senator Jim Banks presented the bill in September 2025, saying it will put American workers first.

The proposal, named the American Tech Workforce Act, aims to protect U.S. jobs. It calls for replacing the random H-1B visa lottery with a system that favors employers offering the highest salaries. It also sets a new wage floor of $150,000, far higher than the current $60,000 threshold.

Details of the H-1B Visa Bill

The bill introduces major changes to current rules. It requires H-1B holders to be paid at least $150,000 or the average salary of a similar U.S. worker, whichever is higher. Wages would also adjust each year with inflation.

It proposes removing the requirement for employers to maintain equal working conditions for visa holders and local workers. Visa assignments to third-party job sites would be limited to one year. The system would grant visas first to applicants with the highest listed salaries.

The bill also ends the OPT program, which lets foreign students on F-1 visas work in the U.S. for a limited period. OPT currently supports around half a million workers. According to Reuters, this program has been under increasing criticism from lawmakers who see it as a way to bypass H-1B limits.

Impact on American and Foreign Workers

Supporters argue the H-1B visa bill will reduce misuse of the system. They claim companies have used H-1B and OPT programs to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor. Senator Banks has pointed to major tech firms like Microsoft, which sought thousands of H-1B visas while laying off U.S. staff.

Foreign workers, mainly from India, make up the largest share of H-1B applicants. Many see the visa as a pathway to permanent residency. With the wage floor raised, only high-paying companies may continue hiring under the new rules. This could push smaller outsourcing firms out of the market.

Critics warn the bill may limit talent flow into the U.S. and affect the tech industry. H-1B visas are commonly used in software, engineering, and research roles. The proposed reforms could reshape hiring patterns and increase costs for firms dependent on skilled foreign workers.

The H-1B visa bill is set to spark debate in Washington. It highlights the clash between protecting U.S. jobs and maintaining access to global talent.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the H-1B visa bill about?

The bill ends the lottery, raises the minimum wage for visa holders, and abolishes the OPT program. It favors high-paying employers.

Q2: Who introduced the bill?

The American Tech Workforce Act was introduced by Republican Senator Jim Banks in September 2025.

Q3: What happens to the OPT program?

The bill eliminates the OPT program, which allows international students to work temporarily in the U.S. after graduation.

Q4: How will this affect tech companies?

Big firms may adjust by paying higher salaries. Outsourcing firms may struggle to meet the new wage rules.

Q5: Why is the H-1B lottery being scrapped?

Lawmakers argue that the random lottery allows fraud and lowers wages. The new system rewards employers who offer higher pay.