A new immigration proposal in the US could significantly change the future of the H-1B visa program. Republican Senator Tim Sheehy has introduced the End H-1B Abuse Act, a bill that aims to tighten H-1B rules and reduce what supporters describe as misuse of the program. The proposal has attracted attention because it includes a temporary halt on new H-1B visas, a $100,000 filing fee, and several new restrictions. At present, the End H-1B Abuse Act is only a proposed bill. It has not become law.

What Is the End H-1B Abuse Act?

The End H-1B Abuse Act was introduced in the US Senate on July 24 by Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana. According to the senator, the H-1B visa was created to fill genuine skill shortages. He argues that some employers now use it to hire lower-cost foreign workers instead of qualified Americans. The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further review.

Three-Year Pause on New H-1B Visas

One of the biggest proposals is a three-year suspension of new H-1B visas. If approved, employers would not be able to file new H-1B petitions during this period. The program would restart only after new safeguards are introduced. The bill does not clearly define how existing H-1B visa holders would be treated. That would depend on the final version of the legislation.

$100,000 Fee for Every H-1B Petition

The End H-1B Abuse Act also seeks to make a $100,000 filing fee permanent for every H-1B petition. A similar fee was introduced during the Trump administration. However, a federal court ruled that the administration did not have legal authority to impose it without congressional approval. If Congress passes this bill, the fee would have clear legal backing.

H-1B Lottery Could Be Replaced

The bill proposes ending the current lottery system. Instead, visas would be awarded based on offered salaries. Employers paying higher wages would receive priority. Supporters believe this would ensure visas go to highly skilled workers rather than lower-cost hires.

Proposed Restrictions

The legislation includes several additional changes. They include:

• Ending third-party staffing arrangements.
• Prohibiting concurrent H-1B employment with multiple employers.
• Removing the “dual intent” provision that allows workers to pursue permanent residency while holding an H-1B visa.
• Preventing H-class visa holders from bringing spouses and children under H-4 visas.
• Eliminating OPT-style work authorization for eligible international students and exchange visitors.
• Preventing federal agencies from sponsoring or employing H-class visa holders.

Also Read: US Changes Visa Rules for International Students

Impact on Indian Professionals

India remains the largest source of H-1B workers every year. If the End H-1B Abuse Act becomes law, Indian professionals could face major challenges. The proposal may affect:

• Skilled IT professionals seeking new H-1B visas.
• Engineering, healthcare, and finance workers.
• Indian students planning to move from OPT to H-1B status.
• IT staffing and outsourcing companies.
• Families hoping to relocate together under H-1B and H-4 visas.

Many aspiring immigrants may need to explore alternative visa pathways if these changes are implemented.

Also Read: August Visa Bulletin 2026

Will the Bill Become Law?

Not yet. The End H-1B Abuse Act is still in the early stages of the legislative process. Before becoming law, it must:

• Pass the US Senate.
• Pass the House of Representatives.
• Receive the President’s signature.

Many immigration bills introduced in Congress never complete this process. Lawmakers may also amend the proposal before any final vote.

The End H-1B Abuse Act could significantly reshape the H-1B program, especially for Indian professionals. However, it is only a proposed bill. Current H-1B program rules remain in effect.

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For many Indian professionals, especially those in the IT sector, the H-1B visa has long been a key pathway to working in the United States. Recently, a new U.S. H-1B visa bill has brought attention to potential changes in this system. While it is still under consideration and not law, it’s important to understand what has been proposed and what it could mean.

Proposed Changes

A recently introduced bill suggests several significant modifications to the current system. These are proposals and have not yet been enacted.

Temporary Pause on New Visas: The proposal includes a proposed three-year suspension on issuing new H-1B visas. If implemented, this would temporarily halt new entries under this category.

Reduction in Annual Visa Cap: The current cap of 65,000 visas may be reduced to 25,000 per year, which would make the process more competitive.

Higher Minimum Salary Requirement: A minimum salary threshold of $200,000 per year (approximately Rs 1.6–1.7 crore) has been proposed under the bill. This aims to ensure that only highly skilled professionals are hired under the program.

Restrictions on Family Members: The proposal suggests limiting the ability of visa holders to bring dependents (spouse and children) to the United States under certain conditions. 

Changes to Permanent Residency Pathways: Currently, many H-1B holders transition to permanent residency through a Green Card. The proposal includes provisions that could remove or restrict this pathway.

Also Read: New H-1B and F-1 Visa Slots Open in India

Potential End of OPT Program: The Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students to work in the U.S. after completing their studies. The proposal includes a suggestion to discontinue this program. 

FAQs 

Is the new H-1B visa proposal already in effect?

No. It is currently a proposed bill, not a law yet. It must pass multiple stages in the U.S. legislative process before any changes take effect.

Will current visa holders be affected immediately?

In most cases, existing visa holders are not impacted right away by new proposals if they are passed. Changes, if passed, are usually applied to new applicants or future renewals, not retroactively.

What happens if a visa freeze is introduced? 

If a visa freeze happens, new visas won’t be issued, current workers can usually continue, and companies may hire more abroad or use remote jobs instead. 

How would a higher salary threshold affect applicants? 

A higher threshold (for example, $200,000) would likely cut out many entry- and mid-level applicants, limiting eligibility mainly to senior or highly specialized roles like AI and cybersecurity professionals. 

Can companies still hire international talent without a visa?
Yes. Companies can still hire international talent using options like L-1 transfers, O-1 visas for highly skilled individuals, or by hiring them remotely from outside the U.S.  

What happens to students if Optional Practical Training (OPT) is removed? 

If OPT is removed, international students may lose post-graduation work opportunities, making U.S. education less attractive, and many may choose countries with clearer work pathways after study instead.

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