The H-1B visa lottery, which allowed thousands of Indian professionals to work in the United States, is being replaced with a new system.
The trump administration has scrapped the random lottery and introduced a priority system based on wages and skills.
What US changing in the H-1B Visa System
H-1B visas were distributed through a random lottery, giving all applicants an equal chance.
Under new rules, high-wage earners and applicants with specialised skills will get priority, while mid-level professional workers may have fewer chances of selection.
The rule comes into effect on February 27, 2026, for the upcoming H-1B registration cycle.
Why this could hit Indians hardest
Indian nationals receive over 70% of H-1B visas every year. It means any tightening of the allocation system impacts Indians applicants because they make bulk of beneficiaries.
While skilled workers with the top salaries and experience may still find their way, mid-level professionals could see their chances fall sharply.
Apart from this, other changes include:
- A $100,000 annual fee on new H-1B applications.
- Expanded social media and background checks are causing delays in visa interviews in India.
- These factors together make it harder for typical Indian applicants to secure H-1B visas.
Why is the US making these changes
The Department of Homeland Security and USCIS say the lottery was being exploited to hire low-paid foreign workers, affecting American wages and jobs.
By prioritising higher-skilled and higher-paid applicants, officials aim to protect American workers’ salaries.
What it means for Indian professionals
For Indian professionals, the end of the H-1B lottery could significantly reduce opportunities, especially for entry-level tech roles.
Companies that rely on sending talent to the US may need to shift jobs back to India or expand delivery centers in other countries.
Many professionals may start exploring alternative destinations such as Canada or European nations for work visas, while some could focus on building their careers within India’s rapidly growing tech industry. Overall, this change represents a major shift in US work visa policy.
