The Trump administration unveiled a proposal on Tuesday to overhaul the H-1B visa selection system, prioritizing applicants with higher skills and salaries, according to a notice in the Federal Register. The move comes days after a White House proclamation introduced a $100,000 fee for these visas.
Under the proposed system, applications from employers offering higher wages would receive priority if annual H-1B requests surpass the statutory cap of 85,000, the notice explained. The administration said the change is intended to shield American workers from unfair wage competition with foreign employees, as per Reuters.
Finalizing a regulation can take months or even years. The notice indicated the new rules could be in effect for the 2026 lottery, ahead of the March registration period. Trump previously sought to overhaul the H-1B process during his first term of presidency (2017-2021) but was blocked by federal courts and constrained by limited time in office.
Last week, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation that restricts the entry of H-1B visa holders and hikes the application fee to a staggering $100,000. The measure is part of the administration’s broader immigration crackdown and aligns with the President’s “Make America Great Again” and “America First” agendas.
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Widespread confusion and rumors about the H-1B visa fee increase prompted the White House to release an official clarification.
The White House clarified that the $100,000 fee applies only to new H-1B applicants and will not affect the current lottery. Officials also emphasized that the proclamation does not restrict any existing visa holders from traveling in and out of the United States.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt further clarified that the $100,000 charge is “not an annual fee.” She explained, “it’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition.”
On the other hand, the H-1B fee hike and the proposed new rules are expected to create opportunities for other countries, including China. When asked about the U.S. measures, the Chinese Foreign Ministry declined to comment on American visa policies but emphasized that China “welcomes outstanding talents” from around the world.
At a routine press briefing on Monday, September 22, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun was questioned about the new visa fees, which could affect skilled workers traveling from China to the United States.
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“In the era of globalization, the cross-border flow of talent has driven technological progress and economic development worldwide,” Guo said, according to a translation of his remarks by China’s state-run Global Times. “China welcomes outstanding talents from all industries and fields globally to come to China, take root in China, and jointly promote the continuous progress of human society while achieving personal career development.”
Meanwhile, China is set to introduce a “K visa” on October 1 aimed at drawing young professionals. Reports suggest that the new visa category highlights China’s focus on attracting “next generation” scientists and researchers.
Xinhua news agency reported that the new visa category received approval from the State Council and was signed into law by Premier Li Qiang in August, as part of revisions to China’s entry and exit regulations.
The K visa is open to young graduates and professionals in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) fields, particularly those involved in education or research. According to the Chinese Ministry of Justice, it targets foreign youth who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from recognized universities or research institutions in China or abroad.
The K visa provides several advantages over China’s existing 12 standard visa types, offering greater flexibility with multiple entries, longer validity, and extended stays, making it more convenient for holders.
With the introduction of the K visa, China will expand its existing 12 standard visa categories to include a pathway specifically for eligible science and technology professionals, signaling the country’s commitment to attracting global talent in STEM fields.