US Proposes Wage-Based Priority for H-1B Visa Selection, Replacing Lottery System

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a major change to the H-1B visa selection process, replacing the current randomised lottery with a system that gives preference to higher-wage applicants.

The H-1B visa programme allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialised occupations such as technology, engineering, and healthcare. Under the current system, eligible applicants are entered into a lottery, giving all registrants an equal chance of selection regardless of skill level or salary.

The proposed reform would prioritise applicants based on the wage level offered by their prospective employers. The system would use the existing four-tier wage classification, ranging from Level I (entry-level) to Level IV (highly experienced), with higher preference given to those in the upper tiers.

According to DHS projections, applicants in the highest wage tier, Level IV, would see their chances of selection increase by 107%, with a projected success rate of 61.16%. In contrast, Level I applicants would face a 48% decrease in selection probability, dropping to 15.29%. 

Level II and Level III applicants would also see improved odds, with increases of 3% and 55%, respectively. The aim of the reform is to encourage the hiring of highly skilled workers and reduce the number of low-wage positions filled through the programme. 

DHS has said that the changes are intended to align visa allocation with labour market demands and discourage the use of H-1B visas for lower-cost labour.

If implemented, the wage-based system would represent a significant shift in the US. skilled immigration policy, potentially making the programme more competitive and limiting access for lower-paid applicants. 

Employers may need to adjust their hiring strategies in response to the new selection criteria. The proposal is currently undergoing the regulatory review process, with further announcements expected as DHS evaluates public and industry feedback.