H-1B Amendment by USCIS

USCIS announced this morning that it will amend H-1B regulations to prioritize higher-paid workers in the H-1B lottery selection. The new regulations are scheduled to be published on December 29, 2025, and will be implemented in the upcoming H-1B lottery. This means that the H-1B lottery will change from a random selection to favoring high earners. This is expected to significantly disadvantage recent college grads and those in traditionally lower paid occupations (e.g., scientists, teachers). This news comes on the heels of the recent Presidential Proclamation that requires employers to pay an additional $100,000 fee per H-1B visa.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/29/2025-23853/weighted-selection-process-for-registrants-and-petitioners-seeking-to-file-cap-subject-h-1b