There’s some heartening news for millions of Indian professionals who dream of working and settling in the United States. Ending the decades-old random lottery system, the US is implementing a new wage-weighted system for H-1B visas. This means that your ability and annual salary will now matter more than your luck in entering the US.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made it clear that only candidates with high salaries and high skills will be given priority. This rule, which will come into effect on February 27, 2026, will not only change the landscape of immigration but also pose a significant challenge for those who rely on entry-level jobs to reach the US.
End of the H-1B Lottery System
For several years, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has realized that the existing lottery system has been abused by many large companies. The old system sought to replace American workers by bringing in low-paid foreign workers.
According to spokesperson Matthew Trageser, the new rule will ensure that work visas are only granted to those who are truly experts in their field and can make a significant contribution to the American economy. This decisive step has been taken to protect the American labor market from low-paid foreign workers.
New Wage-Weighted Selection System
Under the new rules, H-1B visa applications will be divided into four wage levels. Candidates in Level 4, the highest-paid bracket, will have the highest chance of receiving a visa. This bracket is primarily for senior and specialized experts who are in high demand in the American market.
After this, experienced professionals at Level 3 will be given priority. Competition for Level 2, or mid-level professionals, will be fierce, as visa quotas are limited and their turn will be considered only after the higher levels are filled. Lastly, Level 1, i.e., entry-level or freshers, will find it extremely difficult to obtain a visa under the new system. This change will deal a significant blow to IT giants that used to send large numbers of junior developers to the US at low salaries.
$100,000 Annual Fee
The US has not only changed the selection rules but also taken other significant steps to make immigration completely merit-based. The Trump administration has proposed an additional annual fee of $100,000 on H-1B visas, although this is currently facing legal challenges. This fee will make it more expensive for companies to hire foreign workers, forcing them to sponsor only the most desirable talent.
In addition, a $1 million “Gold Card” visa scheme has also been introduced for wealthy investors. This scheme is for those who want to pave the way for US citizenship by making significant investments in the US. The government’s goal is clear: only those with exceptional talent or substantial capital should come to the US.
Who will face increased headaches
This new system has two aspects. Supporters say it will address the talent shortage in sectors like healthcare, education, and advanced technology and provide a significant boost to America’s innovation capabilities. For high-paid Indians, such as data scientists, AI engineers, and doctors, obtaining visas will become easier and more certain, as they will no longer be subject to the uncertainty of a random lottery.
On the other hand, this rule is a nightmare for IT consulting companies and fresh graduates. Visas for entry-level jobs will now become virtually impossible. This will increase pressure on young people who were previously eager to go abroad without updating their skills. Now, entering the US means being in the top 10-20% of their field.
