H1B visa rules change April 1 2026 with wage based selection and tougher forms

Selection will increasingly hinge on who earns more

From April 1, 2026, USCIS will roll out major H-1B updates, including stricter form requirements, higher costs, and greater scrutiny. Most notably, the selection process will shift toward a wage-based system that prioritizes higher salaries and specific skills. Officials say the goal is to better match allocations to labor market needs and spur domestic hiring.