H-1B Visa Pause Proposed In US

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa of the United States that allows employers to hire foreign professionals in speciality occupations. On 22 April 2026, Republican Representative Eli Crane introduced the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026 in the US House of Representatives, with a proposed three-year pause on H-1B visa issuance.

H-1B Visa Framework

The H-1B programme is used by US employers in technology, engineering, finance, healthcare, and research sectors. The annual statutory cap is 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 visas for holders of a US master’s degree or higher under the advanced degree exemption.

Proposed Legislative Changes

• The bill proposes reducing the annual H-1B cap from 65,000 to 25,000.
• The bill proposes a minimum annual salary of $200,000 for H-1B workers.
• The bill proposes replacing the lottery system with a wage-based selection process.
• The bill proposes a ban on dependents accompanying H-1B visa holders.
• The bill proposes a requirement that employers certify the absence of qualified American workers and recent layoffs.
• The bill proposes a ban on third-party staffing firms employing H-1B workers.
• The bill proposes ending the Optional Practical Training programme.
• The bill proposes preventing H-1B holders from adjusting status to permanent residency.

H-1B Visa Administration

The H-1B visa is generally issued for an initial period of up to three years and can be extended to a maximum of six years in many cases. The visa is employer-specific, and the worker’s legal status is linked to the sponsoring employer in the United States.

Recent Fee Policy

In 2025, the US government introduced a $100,000 fee for every new H-1B visa application. The payment requirement applies to applications filed after 21 September 2025.

Related Institutional Context

The H-1B programme is administered under the US Immigration and Nationality Act and is overseen by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The Optional Practical Training programme is linked to F-1 student visas and allows temporary work after completion of studies.