The U.S. has implemented a significant change to the H-1B visa lottery system, effective from FY2025. Under the new rules, the lottery is weighted based on the wage level of the position, with higher-paying roles receiving greater chances of selection. In addition, a one-time fee of $100,000 per new H-1B application has been introduced, which is expected to affect companies that rely heavily on foreign talent.
This policy shift has raised concerns among tech companies, startups, and lawmakers about its potential effects on innovation, job creation, and the overall competitiveness of the U.S. economy. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said to CNBC, the executive order “caught everyone off guard,” adding, “I would beg the president… after border control, we should have good immigration.”
Top H-1B Sponsors and Their Strategic Responses
In the 2025 fiscal year, several companies were among the top sponsors of H-1B visas. These companies are now adapting their strategies in response to the new policy changes.
