The H-1B selection process now prioritizes higher-paid, experienced professionals, putting pressure on young Indian professionals just starting their careers. The new salary-based H-1B selection system became effective from February 2026.

A new proposal adds an extra payment of one lakh dollars for hiring certain foreign employees, raising the cost burden for companies and potentially curbing H-1B hires. The grace period after job loss for H-1B holders is only a proposal and has not yet been implemented, creating uncertainty around employment stability.

Green-card wait times remain severe. The final action date for Indians in the EB-2 category stays at November 2013 as of November 2026; for the EB-3 category it is January 2014 as of November 2026. These long waits continue to be a major barrier to permanent residency.

The EB-5 visa requires a minimum investment of eight lakh dollars, limiting its accessibility. Indian students completing studies in America now confront stricter and costlier H-1B procedures, affecting both current workers and future job seekers.