US bill seeks 3-year pause on H-1B visas, proposes sweeping overhaul

A group of Republican lawmakers in the United States has introduced a bill proposing a three-year suspension of the H-1B visa programme, triggering concerns among foreign workers, particularly Indians who form a large share of visa holders.

The proposed legislation, titled the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026, has been introduced by Congressman Eli Crane and backed by several Republican co-sponsors. It seeks to temporarily halt the issuance of new H-1B visas and reset the system with stricter rules once the pause ends.

The bill argues that the current visa system is being misused by companies to replace American workers with lower-cost foreign labour.

The legislation outlines a series of major reforms to the H-1B programme. These include reducing the annual visa cap from 65,000 to 25,000 and introducing a minimum salary threshold of $200,000 for applicants.

It also proposes replacing the existing lottery system with a wage-based selection process, prioritising higher-paid roles. Employers would be required to prove that no qualified American workers are available for the job before hiring foreign talent.

Additional provisions include restrictions on H-1B workers holding multiple jobs and limits on third-party staffing firms employing such workers. The bill also seeks to bar visa holders from bringing dependents to the US.

The proposed changes could have significant implications for Indian professionals, who constitute one of the largest groups of H-1B visa recipients, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors.

A prolonged pause in new visas, along with stricter eligibility conditions, may reduce opportunities for skilled workers seeking employment in the US and affect companies that rely on global talent.

The bill is part of a wider push within sections of US politics to tighten immigration policies and prioritise domestic employment. While it has sparked debate, it is still a proposal and would need to pass both houses of Congress before becoming law.

If enacted, the legislation would mark one of the most significant overhauls of the H-1B system in recent years, potentially reshaping pathways for skilled migration to the United States.