US Proposes Sweeping H-1B Visa Changes with Landmark Fee Hike and Wage-Based Selection

The Trump administration has unveiled a stringent new proposal for the H-1B visa program. This move follows a recent proclamation that dramatically increases the application fee to $100,000. The changes aim to prioritize higher-wage workers and protect American jobs.

According to a Federal Register notice, the Department of Homeland Security intends to overhaul the current lottery system. The goal is to favor high-skilled, better-paid foreign professionals.

Shifting from Random Lottery to Wage-Based Selection

The proposed rule would replace the random H-1B visa lottery with a weighted system. Applications would be ranked based on the offered salary if requests exceed the annual cap of 85,000. This new process prioritizes employers who pay the highest wages.

Officials state the change will protect American workers from wage competition. The notice argues it ensures companies bring in only the most highly skilled, non-replaceable talent. The public now has a window to submit comments on the proposed rulemaking.

Clarifying the High-Cost Visa Mandate

Confusion surrounded the $100,000 fee announcement last week. The White House has since issued clarifications to address rumors. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the fee is a one-time payment for new petitions.

It applies only to applications submitted after September 21, 2025. The fee does not impact current visa holders or the renewal process. This clarification, reported by sources like Reuters, aims to calm uncertainty within the tech industry.

Global Competition for Talent Intensifies

These significant H-1B visa changes may alter global talent flow. Competing tech hubs in Europe, the UK, and Dubai see an opportunity to attract skilled workers. The high cost could discourage some US companies from sponsoring new employees.

The long-term impact on American innovation and business competitiveness remains unclear. The policy firmly aligns with the administration’s “America First” agenda.

The new H-1B visa rules represent the most substantial overhaul of the program in decades, directly linking immigration policy to wage levels and economic protectionism.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Who is affected by the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee?

The fee applies only to new H-1B visa petitions filed after September 21, 2025. It does not affect current visa holders or those seeking renewals.

Q2: How does the new H-1B selection process work?

The proposed system ranks applications by salary instead of using a random lottery. Petitions offering the highest wages will receive priority if the visa cap is exceeded.

Q3: What is the reason for these H-1B visa changes?

The Trump administration states the changes are designed to protect American workers from wage competition. The goal is to ensure companies hire only the most essential, highly skilled foreign talent.

Q4: Are there other visa options for professionals now?

Some professionals may explore alternatives like the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability. However, the eligibility criteria for these visas are often more rigorous.

Q5: When will these proposed H-1B rules take effect?

The wage-based selection process is currently a proposal open for public comment. The $100,000 fee is scheduled to take effect for petitions filed after September 21, 2025.