Bill targets H-1B visas with steep caps and new fees

What does this do?

This bill would stop the issuance of H-1B visas for three years. After that, annual visas would be cut from 65,000 to 25,000, only workers earning at least $200,000 per year could be hired, and visas would go to the highest-paid applicants instead of through a lottery. The bill also ends work permits for foreign students in certain visa programs, bars staffing agencies from sponsoring H-1B workers, and blocks most temporary visa holders from applying for permanent residency from inside the United States.

Who does it affect?

This bill affects foreign workers currently holding or applying for H-1B visas, U.S. employers who hire those workers, foreign students working legally in the U.S. after graduation, and federal agencies that contract with nonimmigrant visa holders.

Why does it matter?

Employers who currently rely on H-1B workers would need to find other ways to fill those roles during the pause and under the tighter limits afterward. Foreign students who depend on work authorization after graduation would lose that option under this bill.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• $100K fee per H-1B petition
• Paid by employers

Where does it stand?