U.S OVERHAULS IN H-1B VISA PROGRAM: HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

In a major restructuring of the H-1B visa program, the Donald Trump government has scrapped its long-standing lottery system, based on which people were issued U.S. visas. Now, as per the new rules, the visas will be allotted based on the wage and skill of an individual. This will enable the Visa options for those who are high on skills that are required by the nation. 

What is the H-1B visa program?

In simple terms, this is a visa system that allows native U.S. employers to hire professionals from other countries.

Foreign workers from fields like:

• Healthcare
   

• Finance
   

• Education
   

• IT
   

• Engineering
   

• Law
   

Come to America for jobs.

Administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, every year, the Trump government allots 85,000 H-1B visas:

• 65,000 visas under the regular quota
   

• 20,000 visas under the reserved quota
   

Speaking about the duration for which the H-1B visa is usually granted, it is 3 years. However, it can be extended for3 more years.

Did you know that this visa program not only allows foreign workers to legally work in America but also, at times, get PR via employer sponsorship?

What has changed in the H-1B visa program?

From February 27, 2026, the H-1B visas will no longer be issued using the lottery system.

Now, the selection process for H-1B visas will be based on:

• The salary offered to the foreign worker by the American employer
   

• The level of efficiency and skills the individual has

Why this overhaul of the H-1B visa program?

One of the biggest concerns associated with the lottery-based selection process in the H-1B visa program was that, irrespective of one’s:

• Skill set
   

• Salary
   

• Job type
   

• Eligibility
   

All those eligible have equal chances of being selected.

Highlighting that this lottery system is indirectly misusing the visa program, the critics said that with this method, American employers are preferring candidates with low skill sets at cheap salaries. This further reduced the number of opportunities for those with better experience and skill sets.

The main aim of doing away with this lottery system in the H-1B visa program is that the Trump government now wants to prioritize highly skilled professionals from different countries, as they will be able to provide their expertise across different fields.

Another big drawback of having a lottery system for the H-1B visa selection process was that it failed to protect the wages of native workers. This was simply because American employers were able to get cheap labor and save their money.

The overall goal of ending this lottery selection process was also to ensure fairness and equal rights. This new rule will also help the U.S. to get the best-skilled professionals.

Benefits of H-1B Visa

If you have made up your mind to apply for an H-1B visa, here is a list of benefits associated with the same.

You are legally allowed to work in the U.S.

The foremost advantage is that this visa program will allow you to work and live in the U.S.

Exposure and the chance to work in world-famous companies

Another best thing about having an H-1B visa is that you will get an opportunity to work with the biggest global giants in technology, engineering, medicine, finance, literature, etc.

You will be paid well.

The H-1B visa holders in the U.S. have said that they get jobs with higher pay than similar jobs in other countries. Companies in America are better paymasters than those across the globe.

Unlimited family benefits

Unlike other visa programs in the U.S., the H-1B visa holder is allowed to bring his/her spouse and children to the U.S. as well.

Global exposure

Working in the U.S. would mean that you would get to experience a global work culture. You will also gain experience in working with the latest tech and gadgets.

Road to American PR

Last but not least, H-1B visa holders can now apply for a green card if their employer is ready to sponsor them.

For more exact information, call Aptech Visa now and get your Visa consultation. 

Call our well-versed team of the best immigration experts at 750 383 2132 / 91310 59075, or you can also write us at info@aptechvisa.com.

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