In a major shift to the U.S. work visa regime, the Trump administration has announced a sweeping overhaul of the H‑1B work visa system by scrapping the decades‑old random lottery used to allocate visas and replacing it with a new weighted selection process that prioritises higher‑paid and higher‑skilled foreign workers.
What’s Changing?
Under the traditional H‑1B system, when more visa registrations are received than available slots, selections were made randomly through a lottery. This effectively gave all applicants—regardless of skill level or wage—an equal chance of being picked. That system has now been officially scrapped.
In its place, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will implement a weighted selection process. Instead of random draws, visa applications will be assessed with priority given to those with higher salaries and specialised skills. Those offering competitive wages or possessing advanced expertise are more likely to be chosen when demand exceeds supply.
The change is set to take effect from February 27, 2026, and will apply to the FY 2027 H‑1B cap registration season—the cycle that opens in early March 2026 for jobs beginning October 1.
Why the Change Was Introduced
According to DHS officials, the lottery system had been exploited by some employers who used it to hire foreign workers at lower wage levels instead of offering competitive salaries to attract top talent. The weighted system is intended to:
- Protect American workers’ wages and job opportunities
- Discourage misuse of the H‑1B programme
- Encourage employers to petition for truly specialised and higher‑paid roles
- Align the selection process more closely with the original intent of the H‑1B law
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services (USCIS) officials have stated the reform is aimed at strengthening the integrity of the H‑1B programme and making it more merit‑driven.
How the New Weighted Selection Works
Under the revised rules, visas will no longer be allocated purely by chance. Instead:
- Jobs offering higher wages are expected to receive greater weight in the selection process.
- Applicants with advanced skill levels and specialised experience will have an advantage.
- Entry‑level or lower‑paid roles will still be eligible but face significantly reduced chances of selection.
Although precise weighting formulas haven’t been fully detailed publicly, the principle is similar to a tiered system where wage or skill levels influence selection odds.
Who Is Most Affected?
The new system is expected to have wide‑ranging implications, especially for:
- Entry‑level professionals and recent graduates, including many from India, who previously benefited from equal odds in the lottery.
- Indian tech professionals, who represent a large share of H‑1B visa holders and applicants each year.
- U.S. employers, particularly startups and smaller companies, who may find it harder to recruit overseas talent for lower‑paid roles.
Experts warn that while the weighted system may help attract elite talent, it could make it tougher for mid‑career and entry‑level workers to secure visas unless they command higher salaries or specialised skills.
Broader Context of H‑1B Reforms
This overhaul is part of a broader trump administration push to tighten immigration policies. Other related changes include:
- A controversial $100,000 application fee for new H‑1B visas, upheld by a U.S. judge despite legal challenges from business groups.
- Increased scrutiny of visa applicants, including expanded social media and wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital presence checks.
- A shift toward policies that aim to protect American labor markets and curb perceived abuses of employment‑based visas.
What Happens Next?
The new rules will be implemented before the next H‑1B registration period opens in March 2026, meaning candidates and employers must adjust strategies accordingly. job seekers may need to focus on:
- Securing higher‑paying positions
- Highlighting advanced skills and specialisation
- Preparing for possible changes in employer hiring practices
Employers, meanwhile, will need to evaluate wage levels and job classifications more carefully to enhance their chances under the weighted system.
Summary
✔ H‑1B lottery has officially ended — no more purely random selection.
✔ New weighted process prioritises skill and salary starting Feb 27, 2026.
✔ Entry‑level professionals may face tougher odds in securing visas.
✔ Part of a broader shift toward stricter immigration policies under the trump administration
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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