The US government has made a major change to how H-1B work visas are awarded.
The long-running random lottery system is being scrapped. Instead of luck, salary level and skills will now decide who gets selected.
This move marks a big shift in one of America’s most popular work visa programs and could strongly affect foreign professionals, especially Indians.
H-1B visas will no longer be based on luck
Until now, H-1B visas were distributed through a random lottery because applications far exceeded the annual limit.
Under the new system, applications will be ranked, not randomly picked.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that higher-paying and more skilled jobs will be given priority.
This is aimed at reducing misuse of the system and ensuring that visas go to high-value roles.
The government says this change will also help protect American workers from unfair wage competition.
When will the new rule come into force?
The new H-1B selection process will officially start on February 27, 2026.
It will apply to the FY 2027 H-1B cap registration.
Registrations for jobs starting on October 1, 2027 are expected to open in March 2026.
Applicants and employers will need to prepare well in advance under the new rules.
Salary will matter more than ever
While the number of visas remains unchanged, how they are chosen will be very different.
65,000 visas under the regular cap
20,000 extra visas for applicants with US master’s or higher degrees
Instead of a lottery, registrations will now be weighted by employer and salary level.
Higher salaries will mean higher chances of selection, while lower-paying roles may struggle to qualify.
The government says this approach will also help stop duplicate filings and system abuse.
Why this is a big deal for Indian applicants
Indian professionals receive the largest share of H-1B visas every year.
Because many work in IT and outsourcing roles, this salary-based system could significantly reduce approvals for lower-paid jobs.
At the same time, this change comes as the Trump administration continues tightening rules around employment-based immigration.
A USCIS spokesperson stated that the old lottery system was being exploited by employers who hired foreign workers at lower wages.
The new approach, officials say, will encourage companies to hire higher-skilled talent and boost America’s global competitiveness.
For H-1B hopefuls, the message is clear: pay level and skill strength now matter more than chance.
