H1B Visa Lottery: What’s Happening Now?

The United States immigration system has started to take several steps towards reducing immigration populations in the country. The United States government is planning significant changes to the H1B visa program, aiming to overhaul how skilled foreign workers are selected.

According to reports, the long standing lottery based selection system will be replaced with a new model that prioritizes applicants based on wages and skill levels. Under the proposed system, candidates offered higher salaries will have a better chance of being selected, while lower paid positions may see reduced opportunities. The move is intended to ensure that the visa program supports highly skilled roles and protects domestic wage standards.

Officials have stated that the revised approach will help reduce misuse of the H1B program and ensure that American workers are not undercut by cheaper foreign labor. Another major change is the increase in financial responsibility for employers. Companies sponsoring new H1B visas may be required to pay significantly higher fees, which could discourage bulk hiring and place greater emphasis on genuine skill requirements.

In addition, background verification and screening processes are expected to become stricter. Applicants may face deeper scrutiny of their professional history and online presence during visa processing. While the government believes these reforms will strengthen the integrity of the system, critics argue that they could negatively impact startups, small companies, and fresh graduates who rely on the H1B route.

Overall, the proposed changes mark a major shift in how the United States manages skilled immigration.