Akshay DidwaniyaUS Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that questions around the H-1B lottery system will be addressed before February 2026.
Significant Changes Ahead for H-1B Visa Process
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has indicated that the H-1B visa system will see major changes before the $100,000 application fee is implemented in February 2026. Lutnick criticized the current system, calling it “just wrong” that low-cost tech consultants can enter the US and bring their families.
“This procedure and process goes into effect in February of 2026, so my guess is going to be, there are going to be a significant number of changes between now and 2026,” Lutnick told NewsNation.
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Trump Administration Imposes $100,000 Fee
The US administration under Donald Trump recently announced a steep $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas, including renewals. The White House clarified that current visa-holders are exempt and can travel freely without paying the new fee.
Lutnick, who was present when Trump signed the H-1B proclamation, confirmed the annual $100,000 fee will apply to both first-time applicants and renewals.
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Thoughtful Reforms Expected in Visa Rules
Lutnick emphasized that the high fee will prevent overuse by low-cost consultants, stating, “at least it shouldn’t be overrun with these people. But I think you’re going to see a real thoughtful change going forward.”
He added that while uncertainties remain about the H-1B lottery system, all issues are expected to be clarified by February 2026. He confirmed that the $100,000 fee is currently a one-time entry cost.
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Lottery System for Skilled Workers Under Review
“There was a lottery. The H1B is a lottery,” Lutnick explained, describing discussions with leaders of major tech companies who called the lottery approach for skilled workers “bizarre.”
“That just doesn’t make any sense,” he added, criticizing the lottery as outdated and saying the system, set up in 1990, has been “sort of butchered along the way.” Lutnick noted that visas are oversubscribed by 7-10 times, with 74% going to tech consultants.
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Focus on Highly Skilled Professionals
Lutnick insisted that only highly skilled professionals should qualify for H-1B visas. He said doctors, educators, and top engineers should be prioritized while inexpensive tech trainees and consultants should no longer receive visas.
“The idea of having tech consultants and trainees who are inexpensive should be eliminated. I have a strong opinion that way. I think the President’s right with me on those same topics…I find it just wrong,” he stated.
Project Firewall to Protect American Workers
Earlier this month, the US Department of Labour launched ‘Project Firewall,’ an initiative to prevent abuse of the H-1B visa program and protect high-skilled American jobs.
“Launching Project Firewall will help us ensure no employers are abusing H1B visas at the expense of our workforce,” said US Secretary of Labour Lori Chavez-DeRemer. The program will enforce accountability and prioritize qualified Americans for skilled positions.
The BRICS Times
