US H-1B Visa Lottery Ends

The United States — United States Department of Homeland Security announced significant reforms to the H-1B visa program, replacing the long-standing random lottery system with a weighted selection process. This new system, effective February 27, 2026, for the fiscal year 2027 H-1B cap registration season, will prioritize higher-skilled and higher-paid foreign workers. The change is part of a broader effort by the Donald Trump administration to tighten oversight of the H-1B visa program, aiming to protect American workers' wages and job opportunities. United States — United States Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesman Matthew Tragesser stated that the previous random selection process was 'exploited and abused' by employers seeking lower-wage foreign workers. The reforms also include a presidential proclamation requiring employers to pay an additional $100,000 per H-1B visa, a measure that was upheld by District Judge Beryl Howell against a challenge from the United States Chamber of Commerce. Major technology companies such as Amazon (company), Tata Consultancy Services, Microsoft, Apple Inc., and Alphabet Inc., which were significant recipients of H-1B visas under the old system, will be directly affected by these changes.