H-1B Lottery Ends: Major Change in US Work Visa System Shakes Job Seekers

In a major shakeup for foreign professionals aspiring to work in the United States, the H-1B visa lottery system is being discontinued. Previously, candidates were selected randomly through a lottery system, but under the new rules, priority will be given based on skills and offered salary.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the Department of Homeland Security is revising the H-1B visa selection process to ensure that only highly skilled workers with competitive salaries are granted visas. The change aims to improve working conditions and safeguard job opportunities for American workers. The new regulation will be published in the Federal Register on December 29, 2025, after which it will be implemented.

What is the H-1B Visa?

The H-1B visa allows U.S. companies to hire foreign professionals in sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, education, and space, when local talent is unavailable. Typically, 65,000 H-1B visas are issued annually, with an additional 20,000 reserved for candidates with a U.S. master’s degree or higher.

Five Key Changes to H-1B Visa Rules

1. End of the Lottery System
   Previously, visa applicants were selected through a random lottery. Now, selection will depend on salary levels, with higher-paid workers prioritized.
2. Salary-Based Selection
   Registrations will be categorized into four salary levels (Level 1 to Level 4). Higher salary levels increase the likelihood of visa approval.
3. Mandatory Salary Disclosure by Companies
   Companies must provide detailed information about salary, SOC code, and work location at the time of registration.
4. USCIS Authority to Cancel Petitions
   USCIS can revoke approved visas if discrepancies are found in job details, location, or salary.
5. Impact on Entry-Level and Low-Salary Jobs
   Entry-level positions and lower-salary jobs will face difficulties in hiring foreign workers, as priority will be given to high-skilled, higher-salary candidates.

When Will the New Rules Take Effect?

The rules will take effect on February 27, 2026, for the H-1B registration process for FY 2027. Registrations in the upcoming year will not be subject to these changes.

Government Statement

USCIS spokesperson Matthew Trageser said:
“The previous H-1B registration process was misused by some companies to hire foreign workers at lower salaries. The new selection process aligns with congressional intent and ensures U.S. companies prioritize high-skill, well-compensated workers, strengthening American competitiveness while preventing program misuse.”

This historic change marks a new era in U.S. work visas, making it crucial for aspiring H-1B applicants to understand the updated rules.