New H-1B Bill Proposes 3-Year Freeze, $200,000 Salary Rule: What It Means For Indians

Last Updated:April 28, 2026, 08:50 IST

A fresh legislative push in the United States has brought the future of the H-1B visa programme into sharper focus

A fresh legislative push in the United States has brought the future of the H-1B visa programme into sharper focus. A group of Republican lawmakers has introduced a bill in Congress that seeks a temporary halt and sweeping changes to the visa system widely used by skilled foreign workers.

The proposal, titled the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026, has been introduced by Congressman Eli Crane and is being viewed as one of the most aggressive attempts yet to tighten the programme. The move builds on earlier signals from the Trump administration that employment-linked immigration policies would face stricter scrutiny.

What the Bill Proposes

The legislation outlines a series of significant changes that could fundamentally reshape the H-1B system.

It proposes a three-year freeze on new H-1B visas and seeks to cut the annual cap from 65,000 to 25,000. It also introduces a steep minimum salary requirement of $200,000, effectively limiting eligibility to only the highest-paid roles.

In addition, the bill aims to bar visa holders from bringing dependents and prevent them from transitioning to permanent residency. It also proposes banning federal agencies from hiring non-immigrant workers and eliminating the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme.

Taken together, these measures signal a shift towards making the H-1B visa more restrictive and strictly temporary in nature.

Political Backing and Rationale

The bill has garnered support from several Republican lawmakers, including Brian Babin, Brandon Gill, Wesley Hunt, Keith Self, Andy Ogles, Paul Gosar and Tom McClintock.

Explaining the intent behind the proposal, Eli Crane said that the government should prioritise American workers over corporate interests, arguing that the current H-1B system disadvantages domestic job seekers.

Supporters of the bill claim that companies have increasingly used the programme to replace American workers with lower-cost foreign labour. Echoing this view, Paul Gosar stated that the system has been misused to substitute domestic workers.

Brandon Gill also backed the bill, saying it aims to ensure that the immigration system serves American workers first.

“Strongest Bill" Against H-1B

Immigration policy expert Rosemary Jenks, who helped draft the legislation, described it as one of the most comprehensive proposals introduced so far.

According to her, the H-1B programme was originally designed as a short-term solution to fill temporary labour gaps, but has evolved beyond that purpose. She added that stricter rules could push companies to invest more in hiring and training domestic workers, even if it increases costs in the short term.

Impact on Indian Professionals

Indian professionals, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors, are among the largest beneficiaries of the H-1B visa programme. Any tightening of the system is therefore expected to have a significant impact on them.

The proposed salary threshold and reduced visa cap could limit opportunities for Indian workers seeking employment in the United States. Restrictions on dependents and the removal of pathways to permanent residency may further reduce the attractiveness of the programme.

The proposal also follows earlier measures under Donald Trump, including a $100,000 fee on new H-1B applications, which had already raised concerns among visa holders.

What Happens Next

The introduction of the bill marks the beginning of what is likely to be a contentious debate in Congress. While it has strong backing from some Republican lawmakers, it is expected to face resistance from industry groups that rely heavily on global talent.

For now, the proposal signals a clear shift in US immigration policy towards tighter controls and a stronger focus on domestic employment.

For thousands of professionals, especially from India, the outcome of this legislative process could significantly influence future career opportunities in the United States.

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