WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The Trump administration is considering stricter rules for the H-1B visa program, aiming to limit entry to the highest-skilled workers. The move comes just days after the administration announced a $100,000 fee hike for H-1B visas.
The proposed changes were outlined in a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services advisory titled “H-1B FAQ,” dated Sept. 21. The advisory indicates the administration plans to take further steps to reform the H-1B program, which allows U.S. companies to hire temporary foreign workers in specialty occupations.
According to the advisory, the Department of Labor will issue new rules to revise and raise prevailing wage levels for H-1B workers. The goal is to ensure the program is used to hire only the “best of the best” temporary foreign workers. By increasing wage requirements, the administration hopes to prioritize highly skilled professionals and discourage lower-paid, less specialized applicants.
The advisory also says the Department of Homeland Security will propose rules to give preference to high-skilled, high-paid workers in the H-1B lottery system. This change would create a tiered approach where applicants with higher wages and advanced skills have a better chance of being selected for visas.
The advisory hints that these are just the first steps. It states that “additional reforms are also under consideration and will be announced in the coming months.” Experts say this could include further tightening of eligibility requirements or changes in how applications are evaluated.
These developments come amid growing concerns over the H-1B program’s role in the U.S. job market. Critics argue that some companies have used the visa program to hire cheaper foreign labor rather than domestic talent. Supporters of stricter rules say raising wage levels and prioritizing top talent could strengthen the program’s focus on highly skilled professionals.
The proposed changes could affect both employers and foreign workers seeking H-1B visas. Companies that rely heavily on foreign talent in technology, engineering, and other specialized fields may face higher costs due to the $100,000 fee and increased wage requirements.
For foreign workers, the new rules could make the visa process more competitive. Only highly skilled and well-compensated applicants may have a realistic chance of securing an H-1B visa. Lower-wage applicants may find it more difficult to qualify under the new system.
The administration is likely to release detailed proposals for public review and comment before finalizing any changes. This process could take several months. Meanwhile, businesses and applicants are watching closely for updates that could reshape the H-1B landscape.
