Overview

• USCIS posted a proposed rule to replace the random H-1B lottery with a wage-tiered system when demand exceeds the 85,000 cap, opening a 30-day comment period and projecting about $502 million in higher H-1B wages in FY2026.
• The White House proclamation sets a $100,000 one-time charge on each new H-1B petition, with officials clarifying it does not apply to current visa holders or renewals.
• Tech firms reported hiring pauses and travel warnings for visa holders as executives and recruiters discuss shifting more roles overseas or expanding in countries like India and Canada.
• The proposed weighting would favor higher-paid, senior roles and large employers, leaving startups and early-career applicants at a disadvantage even if overall cap numbers stay the same.
• India, whose nationals account for roughly 71% of H-1B beneficiaries, voiced humanitarian and economic concerns, and immigration lawyers forecast court challenges to the presidential fee.