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H-1B Visa Changes: What Applicants Need to Know

H-1B Visa Changes: What Applicants Need to Know

03/28/2026 The U.S. is increasing oversight of the H-1B selection system. This is already affecting how both applicants and employers approach the filing process. The changes relate to adjustments in the registration and selection procedures within the H-1B system. Who is affected These changes impact: • H-1B visa applicants • Employers filing petitions • Professionals participating in the H-1B selection system What has changed USCIS is strengthening oversight of submissions, including: • limiting the impact of duplicate registrations • verifying the legitimacy of applications and the employer relationship • increasing transparency in the selection process Key principle: A single applicant is treated as one participant, regardless of how many registrations are submitted. Practical implications For applicants: • Submitting through multiple companies no longer increases your chances • Accurate and good-faith filings are now critical For employers: • Increased scrutiny of the legitimacy of job offers and working conditions • Higher risk of audits and reviews Another important aspect In September 2025, the U.S. President issued a proclamation introducing temporary entry restrictions for certain work visas, including H-1B. This does not change the H-1B program itself, but affects the entry stage into the U.S., particularly for applicants outside the country. The document provides that, in certain cases, restrictions may not apply if the petition includes an additional fee of $100,000. It is important to understand: • This is not the “cost of the visa” • It does not apply to all H-1B cases • The measure is temporary • Exceptions may apply In practice, this means that even if an H-1B petition is approved, entry into the U.S. may still be subject to additional conditions. Source: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/restriction-on-entry-of-certain-nonimmigrant-workers/ Additional important update In December 2025, DHS introduced a rule changing the H-1B selection approach. The system may shift from a random lottery to a model where selection priority depends on salary level and qualifications. This means: • Higher-paid positions may receive priority • Entry-level positions may have lower chances • The quality of the job offer becomes more important How exactly these changes will be applied depends on the rules for each H-1B filing year. Conclusion Previously, submitting multiple registrations through different employers increased selection chances. Now, such strategies no longer have the same effect and may lead to additional scrutiny or denial. The process is becoming more structured. The substance of the application and job conditions now play a decisive role. This information is for general purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.