A landmark bill titled the ‘End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026’ was introduced on April 27, 2026, proposing major reforms to the H-1B visa program. This bill aims to reshape the landscape for skilled-worker visas in the United States, with significant implications for employers and foreign workers alike.
Key Details:
- Three-year suspension on new H-1B visa issuances.
- Annual cap reduction from 65,000 to 25,000 positions.
- Elimination of the lottery system, transitioning to a first-come, first-served allocation.
- Mandatory minimum salary set at $200,000 or the Department of Labor Level 4 wage, whichever is higher.
- Prohibition on third-party placement arrangements and restrictions on dependent accompaniment.
- Elimination of the STEM OPT work-study option and a ban on direct adjustment of status from H-1B to permanent residence.
- Federal agencies will be prohibited from hiring non-immigrant workers.
This proposal represents the most comprehensive overhaul of the H-1B program in two decades, raising concerns among business groups about potential talent shortages in key sectors such as technology, healthcare, and engineering. Employers are advised to explore alternative visa options and strategies to mitigate the impact of these changes.
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