H-1B Visa System Revamped: Higher Salaries to Get Greater Selection Chances

The United States has introduced a significant change in the H-1B visa selection process. Under the revised system, beneficiaries will now be chosen based on salary levels instead of the previously used random lottery system. To implement this change, the US immigration agency has developed a new Form I-129 system, which will become mandatory from April 1, 2026. Companies submitting applications for foreign workers will now be required to provide detailed job-related information as part of the application process. The new approach is expected to increase the chances for highly experienced professionals and applicants offered higher salaries to secure the visa. Under the updated system, applicants will be categorized into four wage levels. The higher the wage level, the greater the number of opportunities an applicant will have in the selection process. For example, a Level-4 candidate will receive four chances during the selection process, while a Level-1 candidate will receive only one chance. This system aims to prioritize skilled professionals whose jobs offer higher wage levels. Form I-129 is used to bring temporary workers to the United States. The US Department of Labor determines a standard wage for each occupation and city. Based on these wage standards, jobs are classified into levels ranging from Level 1 to Level 4. The H-1B visa is issued to highly skilled professionals such as doctors, engineers, and software specialists. The visa was introduced through a bill passed by the US Congress in 1990. Previously, the fee for this visa was around $9,000, but in September 2025, Trump increased it to approximately ₹9 lakh. The visa is issued for a period of three years at a time and can be granted twice. After completing a total duration of six years, an applicant becomes eligible to apply for a Green Card, which is considered a step before obtaining US citizenship. It is noteworthy that around 70 percent of the total H-1B visas issued each year are granted to Indian professionals.