The US government has introduced a proposal that could significantly change the hiring process for foreign professionals. The plan focuses on raising the H-1B visa minimum wage by nearly 30%, making it more expensive for employers to sponsor overseas talent.

If the proposal becomes law, businesses hiring workers through the H-1B program will have to meet higher salary requirements. The move is designed to support fair wages and strengthen protections for the domestic workforce.

Entry-Level Salary Could Rise Significantly

One of the biggest changes is for entry-level positions. The proposed H-1B visa minimum wage for these roles would increase to USD 97,746, which is more than 33% higher than the current level. However, the required salary will not be the same across the country. Wage levels will continue to vary based on the location of the job and local labor market conditions.

Reasons Behind the US Revising Wage Rules 

Officials believe the current wage system no longer reflects today’s employment market. They point out that the existing framework was introduced nearly two decades ago. The government says outdated wage calculations may allow some employers to hire foreign workers at salaries below those paid to qualified US employees. By updating the wage standards, the administration hopes to create a more balanced hiring environment.

Also Read: Can J-1 Visa Holders Work in the USA?

Policy Shift Affects H-1B1, E-3, and PERM Programs 

The proposal extends beyond the H-1B category. It would also revise prevailing wage requirements for several employment-based immigration programs, including H-1B1, E-3, and PERM labor certification. These changes could affect companies that rely on international professionals across technology, engineering, healthcare, finance, and other skilled sectors.

Also Read: US Supreme Court Upholds Birthright Citizenship

Employers Have Different Opinions

The proposal has sparked mixed reactions. Many labor advocates support the plan. They believe higher wages will protect American workers and ensure skilled foreign professionals receive competitive pay. Some employers disagree. Small and mid-sized businesses say the increased salary requirements could make it harder to recruit entry-level international employees. They are concerned that hiring costs may rise sharply if the rule is approved.

Also Read: US Tourist Visa Wait Times in India

Public Comments Invited Before Final Decision 

The proposal is open for public feedback until May 26. After reviewing comments from employers, industry groups, and other stakeholders, the US Department of Labor will decide whether to finalize the rule.

If approved, the updated H-1B visa minimum wage could influence future hiring decisions and reshape employment opportunities for skilled foreign workers seeking jobs in the United States.

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A new United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disclosure highlights the intense demand for U.S. work visas: over 200,000 H-1B applicants paid a $100,000 fee to speed up their entry process during fiscal year 2026. Federal immigration officials told lawmakers that DHS has logged roughly 286,000 H-1B applications this fiscal year, with more than seven in ten applicants opting to pay extra for expedited processing.  

H-1B Premium Processing by the Numbers 

⇒ Roughly 286,000 skilled worker visa applications have been submitted in FY 2026. 

⇒ More than 70% of applicants opted for premium processing.

⇒ Over 200,000 applicants paid the $100,000 expedited processing fee.

⇒ Premium applications are typically processed in about 15 days.

⇒ Standard processing can take approximately seven and a half months.

Industries Driving Demand for Skilled Foreign Workers 

The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialized occupations, including technology, engineering, healthcare, research, and education. For many employers, faster processing can be critical for meeting hiring timelines, filling workforce gaps, and avoiding project delays. During the hearing, lawmakers questioned whether the fee creates challenges for organizations serving critical public needs.  

Also Read: M-1 Student Visa Guide (2026)

Lawmakers Seek Relief for Essential Workers 

Some lawmakers questioned whether hospitals, healthcare providers, and schools facing staffing shortages should be required to pay the same premium processing fees as large corporations. They urged DHS to consider exemptions or accommodations for employers recruiting essential workers in underserved communities. 

Also Read: Updated F-1, F-2A, F-2B, F-3, F-4 Family Visa Categories

DHS Response 

In response to questions from lawmakers, DHS said it would explore possible accommodations for employers recruiting workers for essential roles. The agency noted that healthcare and education could be among the sectors considered for special treatment.

For now, one conclusion is clear. A six-figure processing fee has done little to dampen demand for H-1B visas. Instead, the latest data shows that employers and skilled workers continue to place enormous value on timely access to the U.S. labor market, even when the cost is exceptionally high.

The post Breaking: More Than 200,000 People Paid $100,000 Each for Faster H-1B Processing appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

Big changes are coming to the H1B visa 2025 program, and they’ll impact both applicants and employers in a big way. The U.S. is rolling out a steep new fee along with an overhaul of the lottery process, completely changing how international professionals get a chance to work and live here. The goal is to give preference to workers with stronger skills and higher salaries.

New H1B Fee

U.S. companies planning to hire skilled foreign professionals through the H-1B program now face a dramatic added cost. A new $100,000 one-time fee, introduced by the Trump administration, must be paid for every new petition filed after September 21, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT. This mandate directly impacts the upcoming 2026 lottery and all subsequent applications, raising financial stakes for employers across industries.

This new fee does not apply to the following:

• Previously issued H-1B visas
• Petitions submitted before the September 21, 2025, deadline
• H-1B renewals or extensions

H1B Visa Validity Period

The standard validity period for an H1B visa remains the same. Foreign workers are initially granted a stay of up to three years. This can be extended for an additional three years, allowing for a total stay of six years. However, there is a new rule for individuals who have a controlling interest in the petitioning company. If you own more than 50 percent of the organization or hold majority voting rights, your initial petition and first extension will each be limited to 18 months.

Also Read: Worried About Trump’s Tough H-1B Policies? Follow These Strategies to Win

H1B Visa Lottery Changes

One of the most significant latest policy changes is the move away from a purely random lottery system. Until now, the 85,000 available H-1B visas were awarded through a random draw. The new proposal creates a “weighted” lottery that gives better odds to applicants with higher-paying job offers. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states this change is intended to discourage the use of the visa for lower-wage positions.

H1B Lottery Selection Process

The selection process will now be based on government-defined wage tiers, from Level 1 (entry-level) to Level 4 (highest expert-level). When filing, employers must specify the job’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, location, and the corresponding wage level based on US Department of Labor data.

If the number of registrations exceeds the available visas, USCIS will conduct a weighted lottery. This system assigns more entries to applicants in higher wage brackets, directly increasing their chances of selection.

• Level 4 (Highest Wage): Your name is entered four times.
• Level 3: Your name is entered three times.
• Level 2: Your name is entered twice.
• Level 1 (Lowest Wage): Your name is entered once.

Under the new system, candidates with a Level 4 salary will receive four opportunities in the lottery, compared with only one chance for entry-level workers.

Got your H1B visa? The next big thing on your list is booking tickets. People usually hunt for flights to India from USA around start dates or once paperwork is sorted. This is where Indian Eagle last minute deals come in handy, making it simpler to travel without breaking the bank. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new H1B fee in 2025?
The Trump administration has introduced a one-time $100,000 fee for all new H1B visa petitions filed after September 21, 2025. This fee applies to the 2026 lottery and future new petitions. It does not apply to renewals, previously issued visas, or petitions submitted before the deadline. 

How long is the H1B visa valid?
The standard validity is three years initially, with the option to extend for another three years, totaling six years. If you own more than 50% of the sponsoring company, your initial petition and first extension are limited to 18 months each. 

How has the H1B lottery changed in 2025?
The lottery is now weighted based on salary. Higher-paying jobs give applicants a better chance of selection. This system replaces the purely random draw used in previous years. 

What must employers provide when filing an H1B petition?
Employers must list the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, the job location, and the OEWS wage level for the position. This ensures correct placement in the weighted lottery. 

Does the new fee affect H1B renewals?
No, the $100,000 fee applies only to new petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Renewals and extensions are not subject to this fee. 

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