Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

U.S. Signals H‑1B Overhaul as Commerce Chief Targets Low‑Cost Tech Consulting

Lutnick expects new selection rules before the February 2026 start of the one‑time $100,000 petition fee.

The US commerce secretary also said that there are going to be a variety of thoughtful changes in H1-B visa.
Image
Image

Overview

  • U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said he anticipates a significant number of changes to the H‑1B process ahead of the new fee’s effective date.
  • He questioned using a lottery to admit skilled workers and said whether it remains a lottery will be resolved by February 2026.
  • Lutnick called the entry of “inexpensive” tech consultants bringing families “just wrong” and said visas should favor highly paid, highly skilled roles.
  • He cited heavy oversubscription of H‑1B visas and said roughly three‑quarters of current use involves tech consulting.
  • India’s government said it is studying the implications of the $100,000 surcharge as startups and Indian IT professionals voice disruption concerns.