Are you living in the US on an H-1B or planning to move there for work or study? A new US H-1B visa reform bill may affect the future of thousands of foreign professionals, including Indian tech workers and international students. The American White-Collar Worker Jobs Act of 2026 proposes major changes to the visa system, affecting work duration, green card eligibility, OPT, and the lottery-based selection process. Here’s what you need to know to stay prepared.

What Does the H-1B Visa Reform Bill Propose?

The bill aims to overhaul the foreign-worker program that US employers use to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations such as technology, engineering, finance, healthcare, and research. One of the biggest proposed changes is to end this skilled-worker route as a direct green card pathway. Currently, many foreign professionals are able to work in the US while their employers sponsor them for permanent residency.

The proposed bill would also remove the dual intent provision. This provision currently allows skilled foreign workers to live and work in the US temporarily while also applying for a green card. If this rule is removed, applicants may need to prove that they maintain a residence outside the US and do not intend to permanently settle there.

Shorter Work Permit Duration

At present, skilled foreign workers under this category can generally stay in the US for up to six years, with possible extensions in certain green card processing cases. The proposed legislation seeks to reduce the maximum stay to two years. A shorter period could create uncertainty for employees, companies, and families who plan their careers and lives around the US skilled-worker program.

H-1B Visa Extension Ban Could Affect Green Card Applicants

The bill also proposes restrictions that could function like an H-1B extension ban for workers waiting for green card processing. Currently, some skilled-worker visa holders can extend their stay beyond the regular limit if their green card applications are pending. This is especially important for Indian professionals. If these extensions are removed, many workers may find it difficult to continue living and working in the US while waiting for permanent residency. 

End of Lottery-Based Selection Process

The bill also targets the current lottery-based selection process. At present, when registrations exceed the annual cap, US immigration authorities use a lottery to select applications. Critics argue that this system does not always prioritize the most skilled or highest-paid workers. The proposed legislation would replace the lottery with a wage-based selection system. Such a system could make it harder for startups, universities, nonprofits, and early-career professionals to access global talent.

OPT Program May Also Be Removed

The proposed US Congress visa legislation also seeks to eliminate the Optional Practical Training program, commonly known as OPT. OPT allows international students in the US to work for a limited period after graduation. For many students, OPT is the first step before applying for an employment-based work visa. If OPT is removed, foreign students may have fewer opportunities to gain US work experience after completing their studies. 

Stricter US Immigration Rules

The bill comes amid ongoing debates over employment-based immigration policies, foreign worker programs, and workforce protections in the United States.

How Indian Tech Professionals Could Be Affected?

Indian professionals are among the largest users of the US skilled-worker visa system. Many work in software development, cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, finance technology, consulting, healthcare technology, and engineering. If the proposed bill becomes law, they could face several challenges.

The first concern is the possible end of the green card pathway. Many Indian workers rely on employer sponsorship to move from temporary work status to permanent residency. The second concern is the proposed shorter work permit duration, which could make long-term career planning difficult. The third concern is the possible removal of extensions for workers waiting in green card backlogs.

Students could also be affected if OPT is removed. Many Indian students use OPT after graduation before transitioning to employment-based status. Without OPT, the path from US education to US employment may become much narrower.

What Should Workers and Students Do Now?

Since the bill is only proposed legislation, workers and students should not panic. However, they should stay informed and track official updates from US immigration authorities, Congress, and their employers. Those already in the green card process may want to speak with qualified immigration attorneys to understand possible risks if similar reforms move forward.

Employers may also need to review workforce planning, wage levels, immigration sponsorship timelines, and backup staffing strategies. For families, any major skilled-worker immigration reform could affect travel, children’s education, housing, and long-term settlement plans.

The proposed H-1B visa reform bill could reshape skilled immigration in the US, affecting foreign workers and employers alike. From the dual intent provision and green card pathway to the lottery-based selection process, OPT, and work permit extensions, the bill targets several core parts of the current system. While it has not become law, it signals a serious push to reshape how America hires foreign skilled workers and protects US white collar jobs.

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