The United States is tightening regulations around visa issuance, with potential changes on the horizon for the H-1B work visa system. The U.S. government is considering replacing the current random lottery method with a merit-based selection process that prioritizes applicants based on their offered salaries.
This proposed shift, currently under review by the White House, was originally introduced during Donald Trump’s presidency as part of the “Buy American, Hire American” policy. Although the Biden administration revoked it in 2021, the policy may now make a comeback in a revised form under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
If implemented, the new system would favor higher-paid job offers, aiming to attract more skilled professionals to the U.S. Studies suggest such a model could improve the program’s efficiency by up to 88%. However, this has raised concerns that small businesses, entry-level professionals, and recent graduates—who typically command lower salaries—could be disadvantaged.
Any final decision will take public feedback and legal scrutiny into account. If approved, the changes would likely come into effect for H-1B selections starting in 2026 or 2027, as the cap for 2026 has already been filled. While the merit-based approach could strengthen the program’s focus on specialized talent, many caution it may inadvertently limit opportunities for emerging professionals and smaller firms.
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