The landscape for securing a coveted H-1B work visa for the United States has undergone a seismic shift, particularly impacting entry-level applicants from countries like India. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially moved to overhaul the selection process, discarding the long-standing random lottery system.
From Luck to Wages: The New H-1B Selection Criteria
Under the new rules announced by the DHS, the chance-based lottery is being replaced by a system that grants preference to foreign workers who command higher salaries and possess advanced skills. This fundamental change, confirmed on December 24, 2025, marks a decisive move by the US administration. Officials, including those from the Trump administration, state that the overhaul is strategically aimed at protecting American wages and jobs by ensuring the H-1B program is used to recruit top global talent, not to source cheaper labor.
A Triple Blow for Companies and New Applicants
The revised selection process is not the only new hurdle. The regulatory shift introduces a combination of measures that will significantly increase the cost and complexity of hiring through the H-1B program. The key changes include:
- A wage-centric selection process that favors higher-paid roles.
- The imposition of a hefty $100,000 entry fee for new H-1B applications.
- A proposed hike in the mandated wage levels for H-1B workers.
As noted by Lubna Kably, this triple impact will make it substantially more challenging for companies, including many that recruit from India, to sponsor overseas employees under this visa program.
What This Means for Entry-Level Indian Professionals
The consequences for entry-level H-1B hopefuls are particularly stark. Their odds, as per the new framework, have become much worse. Positions offering lower salary packages, which are typical for freshers and those early in their careers, will be deprioritized in the new selection queue. This creates a significant barrier for recent graduates and young IT professionals from India who have traditionally viewed the H-1B as a key career pathway. The changes effectively create a system where pay now decides who gets in, reshaping the future of tech talent migration between India and the USA.
