H1B Lottery Is Gone: What’s The Effect on Indian Students!

The Donald Trump administration in the United States has started to crack down on the immigration policies and also student visas. The latest blow to the student community is scrapping of the H1B lottery system and let us have a look at the repercussions that it can have the Indian community.

The United States Department of Homeland Security has decided to scrap the long standing H1B visa lottery system, marking a major shift in how work visas will be allocated in the future. Instead of random selection, the new process will prioritize applicants based on the wages offered by employers, giving preference to higher paying and higher skilled roles. This change is expected to come into effect from the FY 2027 H1B cycle.

While the annual cap of 85,000 visas will remain unchanged, the method of selection is set to significantly alter the chances for applicants.

Under the new weighted system, candidates with higher salary offers will receive multiple entries in the selection pool, while lower wage applicants may get only one. The stated aim of DHS is to protect American workers and ensure that the H1B program attracts top global talent aligned with market wages.

However, the decision has raised serious concerns among international students, especially recent graduates. Many students and entry level professionals typically receive modest salary offers, putting them at a disadvantage under the new rules. Smaller companies and startups may also struggle to compete with large corporations offering premium pay.

Overall, the move signals a tougher environment for students and early career professionals hoping to build careers in the US, while favoring experienced and high earning foreign workers.