US H-1B Visa: Wage-Based Lottery & $100K Fee Impact Hiring

New US H-1B rules, favoring higher-paid workers via a weighted lottery, may be undermined by a recently upheld $100,000 fee for overseas applications. An Indian-origin attorney warns this could deter employers despite better selection odds for skilled talent. This dual policy shift poses significant challenges for Indian IT firms and skilled professionals seeking US employment.

• USCIS implemented weighted H-1B lottery favoring higher wages.
• A $100,000 fee is now required for new overseas H-1B petitions.
• Indian-origin attorney warns high fee negates new lottery benefits.
• Policies expected to significantly impact Indian IT firms and workers.
• Federal judge recently upheld the controversial $100,000 fee.
• New lottery system effective Feb 2026; fee active since Sept 2025.

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