Proposed Bill Could Drastically Change H-1B Visa Landscape

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Republican lawmakers in the US House have introduced the ‘End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026,’ led by Representative Eli Crane. This proposed legislation seeks to implement a three-year freeze on new H-1B visa applications and drastically cut the annual cap from 65,000 to 25,000. If passed, it would impose a minimum salary requirement of $200,000 and eliminate the current lottery system in favor of wage-based selection.

Key Details:

Proposed freeze on new H-1B visas for three years.
Annual cap reduced from 65,000 to 25,000.
Minimum salary requirement set at $200,000.
H-4 dependents banned and OPT for students ended.

The bill, which is not yet law, still requires approval from the House, Senate, and the President. If enacted, it could significantly limit opportunities for Indian IT professionals, who make up a large portion of H-1B visa holders. The proposed changes are seen as part of an America-first approach aimed at protecting local jobs and wages. Critics argue that this could hinder the growth of the tech sector and lead to a brain drain from India.

Indian Tech on US Immigration, Explained Daily

Proposed Bill Could Drastically Change H-1B Visa Landscape