A group of Republican lawmakers in the United States has proposed a bill to impose a three-year pause on H-1B visas and introduce sweeping reforms to the programme.
The legislation, titled the “End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026,” has been introduced by Eli Crane, who said the goal is to overhaul the system with stricter safeguards before restarting it. The proposal has the backing of several Republicans, including Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar and Andy Ogles, all of whom argue that the current visa framework disadvantages American workers.
Under the bill, the annual H-1B cap would be reduced from 65,000 to 25,000, while all exemptions would be scrapped. It also proposes replacing the lottery system with a wage-based selection model, with a minimum salary threshold of $200,000 per year.
Employers would be required to certify that no qualified American worker is available for a job and that no recent layoffs have taken place. The bill further seeks to bar H-1B visa holders from working multiple jobs and prohibits third-party staffing firms from employing them.
Other provisions include banning dependents from accompanying visa holders, ending the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, and removing pathways to permanent residency. It also mandates that visa holders must leave the US before switching to another visa category and prevents federal agencies from sponsoring such workers.
Supporters say the changes are aimed at restoring the programme’s original intent and prioritising domestic employment, while critics warn the proposals could disrupt industries reliant on skilled foreign workers.
The H-1B visa programme allows US companies to hire foreign professionals in specialised sectors such as technology and engineering. Indian nationals have traditionally been among the largest beneficiaries, making up a significant portion of the high-skilled workforce in the United States.
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