The United States has announced major changes to its H-1B visa program, set to take effect in 2026, sending shockwaves through the Indian tech community that relies heavily on the work visa. The new rules, reported by iDream Vidhya, introduce stricter eligibility criteria, increased wage requirements, and a revamped lottery system aimed at prioritizing highly skilled applicants.
Key changes include:
- Higher minimum salary thresholds: Employers must now offer salaries at least 20% above the local median wage for the position.
- New specialization requirements: Applicants must hold a degree directly related to the job role, narrowing the eligibility for many IT professionals.
- Modified lottery system: The random draw will now give preference to candidates with advanced STEM degrees from US universities.
- Reduced cap on new visas: The annual cap is being lowered from 85,000 to 65,000, with the extra 20,000 slots for US master's graduates eliminated.
These changes are expected to cut the number of H-1B approvals for Indian nationals by an estimated 30-40%, according to immigration analysts. The move aligns with the current administration's "Buy American, Hire American" policy, aimed at protecting domestic workers.
Industry leaders have expressed concern. "This will severely impact US tech companies that rely on global talent," said a spokesperson for the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM). "Indian IT professionals contribute significantly to innovation and economic growth."
Current H-1B holders are not immediately affected but will face tougher renewal standards starting in 2027. The Department of Homeland Security will release a detailed implementation timeline in the coming months.