Trump plans more H-1B Visa restrictions after $100,000 fee hike

Bangla Press Desk: In its effort to reform the H-1B visa program, the Donald Trump administration is moving beyond the initial shock of a proposed $100,000 mandatory fee to introduce stricter immigration rules governing how employers use the visa and who qualifies for it.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has outlined a proposed rule change in its regulatory agenda under the title “Reforming the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Classification Program.” The proposal includes measures such as revising eligibility for cap exemptions, tightening scrutiny of employers who have violated program requirements, and enhancing oversight of third-party job placements.

It remains unclear whether DHS intends to limit the categories of employers or positions that qualify for cap exemptions. However, if implemented, such changes could significantly impact nonprofit research institutions, universities, and healthcare organizations that currently benefit from these exemptions, according to Newsweek.

“The proposed reforms aim to strengthen the integrity of the H-1B program and safeguard U.S. workers’ wages and working conditions,” DHS stated. The revisions could affect thousands of Indian students and professionals seeking employment in the United States. The rule is tentatively slated for publication in December 2025, according to the regulatory notice.

Earlier reports indicated that the Trump administration is also considering replacing the traditional H-1B lottery system with a wage-based selection model.

Why The H-1B Visa Matters

The H-1B visa, a temporary work permit established under the Immigration Act of 1990, allows U.S. companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals in fields where qualified American workers are scarce. Although not designed for permanent residence, many H-1B holders eventually transition to other visa categories to obtain green cards.

Each year, the U.S. government caps H-1B visas at 65,000, with an additional 20,000 slots reserved for individuals holding advanced degrees from American universities. The visas are distributed through a lottery system, while certain employers—such as universities and nonprofit organizations—are exempt from these limits.

According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 75% of H-1B approvals in 2023 were granted to Indian nationals. Since 2012, about 60% of all approved visas have been for computer-related occupations, though sectors such as healthcare, finance, and academia also rely heavily on H-1B workers.

Research further shows that H-1B visa holders typically earn equal or higher wages than their American counterparts with similar qualifications, as U.S. law requires employers to pay the higher of the actual or prevailing wage, in addition to government processing fees that often exceed $6,000.

BP/SP