H-1B Visa Program Overhaul Looms:

A recent Forbes article highlights significant changes to the H-1B visa program, originally established in 1990 to attract highly-educated foreign workers. A key development is the recent imposition of a new $100,000 fee by the administration. This fee initially generated confusion regarding its applicability to new visa petitions versus renewals. Beyond this new fee, the program is transitioning away from its established lottery system for visa allocation. A proposed rule from the Department of Homeland Security would replace the lottery with a wage-based selection process, prioritizing applicants with higher salary offers. These changes carry substantial implications for businesses that rely on H-1B visa holders. The increased fee directly raises operational costs. Furthermore, the shift from a lottery to a wage-based system may affect the ability of companies, particularly smaller ones or those in industries with lower average salaries, to secure foreign talent. The article suggests these reforms indicate a fundamental reassessment of U.S. strategies for attracting and retaining skilled international professionals.