US proposes changes to H-1B work visa issuance

Congressman Eli Crane proposes to suspend the issuance of new H-1B work visas for three years and introduce significant changes to their acquisition. In particular, it is planned to reduce their limit from 65,000 to 25,000, replace the lottery system with a selection system based on salary level, and establish a minimum salary for H-1B visa holders of $200,000 per year. Newsweek writes about this, as reported by UNN.

Congressman Eli Crane has introduced a bill that would suspend the issuance of new H-1B visas for three years and implement significant changes thereafter. H-1B visas allow employers to hire foreign workers for specialized occupations, such as in healthcare, engineering, and technology, and require at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. These visas came under scrutiny during the Trump administration as conservatives sought to reform the process amid concerns that employers were replacing American workers with foreign nationals.

Crane proposes:

• reduce the annual limit on H-1B visas from 65,000 to 25,000;
• replace the lottery system with a selection system based on salary level;
• require employers to prove that they cannot find qualified Americans and have not conducted layoffs;
• establish a minimum salary for H-1B visa holders of $200,000 per year;
• prohibit H-1B visa holders from holding multiple positions simultaneously;
• prohibit H-1B visa holders from bringing their dependents to the United States.

"Crane's proposal, which has been supported by seven other Republican representatives, must be passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate to take effect," the publication notes.

In his statement, Crane said: "The federal government should work for the benefit of hardworking citizens, not for the profit of huge corporations. We owe it to the American people to ensure that the flawed H-1B system does not deprive them of jobs for which they are qualified. The H-1B Visa Abuse Prevention Act of 2026 will provide broader access to employment, strengthen protocols in the visa issuance process, and prioritize the livelihoods of Americans. I am honored to introduce this bill and grateful to those who have drawn attention to this flawed process."

The publication adds that recent updates to the H-1B program have already introduced stricter application rules and additional oversight, reflecting broader government efforts to strengthen legal immigration pathways and increase compliance checks. The Trump administration set a $100,000 fee for certain new H-1B applications filed after September 21, 2025, and moved to a wage-level-based selection system that prioritizes higher-paying positions.

Recall

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on Tuesday that it is replacing its long-standing lottery system for H-1B work visas with a new approach that prioritizes skilled, high-wage foreign workers.