White House Restricts H-1B Visas to Protect American Tech Jobs
Published Date: 9/24/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The U.S. is tightening rules on H-1B visas to stop companies from replacing American workers with cheaper foreign labor, especially in tech jobs. This change targets firms that misuse the program to cut wages and hurt U.S. workers, aiming to protect jobs and boost fair pay. The new restrictions start soon and could shake up hiring and costs in STEM fields.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
H-1B $100,000 Entry Payment
Starting at 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 2025, companies seeking to bring H-1B specialty-occupation workers from outside the United States must accompany petitions with a $100,000 payment or those workers’ entry will be restricted. This restriction expires 12 months after September 21, 2025, unless extended.
Employer Documentation and Visa Verification
Before filing an H-1B petition for a worker outside the U.S., employers must obtain and keep proof that the $100,000 payment was made; the Secretary of State will verify payment and approve only petitions with that payment. The Departments of State and Homeland Security will deny entry to H-1B nonimmigrants if their prospective employer did not make the required payment.
Prevailing Wage and Priority Rulemakings
The Secretary of Labor will start rulemaking to revise prevailing wage levels consistent with this proclamation's policy goals, and the Secretary of Homeland Security will start rulemaking to prioritize admission of higher-skilled, higher-paid nonimmigrant workers. These rulemakings are intended to change wage standards and admission priorities.
Discretionary National-Interest Exemptions
The Secretary of Homeland Security may exempt an individual, all aliens employed by a company, or all aliens in an industry from the payment and entry restriction if the Secretary determines such hiring is in the national interest and does not threaten U.S. security or welfare.
Limits on Using B Visas to Circumvent H-1B Rules
The Secretary of State will issue guidance to prevent misuse of B visitor visas by beneficiaries of approved H-1B petitions that have employment start dates beginning prior to October 1, 2026. This guidance is intended to stop entry that would otherwise circumvent the proclamation's restrictions.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20855, Emergency Tax Relief on Diesel Fuel
Farmers, truckers, and workers hit by high diesel prices get a break! The government is pausing certain diesel fuel tax payments from October 5 to December 31, 2026, and waiving penalties to help ease the pinch. This quick action puts cash back in their pockets during tough times caused by limited diesel supply.
2026-20629, National Manufacturing Day, 2026
National Manufacturing Day 2026 celebrates the amazing comeback of American manufacturing and the hardworking people behind it. Thanks to new laws and smart policies, more factories are being built, good jobs are growing, and workers are earning more money. This day honors those who make America strong and highlights the exciting future of U.S. manufacturing.
2026-20320, Eliminating Disease-Carrying Pests and Restoring Enjoyment of the Great Outdoors
This new order helps Americans fight dangerous ticks and mosquitoes that spread diseases and ruin outdoor fun. It focuses on smart, safe ways to control these pests using technology and natural methods, especially in places like Washington, DC. Starting now, expect better pest control, health care improvements, and less reliance on harsh chemicals—all aiming to protect people, pets, and the environment without extra costs.
2026-20319, Streamlining Access to Government Services Through America.gov
Starting soon, America.gov will be your one-stop, easy-to-use website for all federal government services. Instead of jumping between many agency sites, you’ll get fast, clear answers and can complete tasks in one place. This change helps every American save time and hassle, with no extra cost to users, making government services simpler and smarter by 2027.
2026-19554, Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers
The U.S. is extending rules that limit certain H-1B visa workers for another year, until September 21, 2027. This affects mostly IT staffing and outsourcing firms that have been using cheaper foreign workers to replace American employees. To enter, these workers now need a $100,000 fee with their visa petition, helping protect American jobs and wages.
2026-19555, Enhancing Program Integrity and Interagency Coordination in the Administration of the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Program
This new order cracks down on companies misusing the H-1B visa program, which was meant to bring in highly skilled foreign workers but has been used to replace American workers with cheaper labor. It aims to protect U.S. workers’ jobs and wages by improving how agencies work together and enforce the rules. These changes will start soon and could affect many tech companies and others relying heavily on H-1B workers.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-18600, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2025
National POW/MIA Recognition Day 2025 honors the brave American service members captured or missing in action from past wars. The President reminds us to remember their sacrifices and promises to keep working to bring home the more than 80,000 missing heroes. This day also highlights the POW/MIA flag as a symbol of our commitment to never forget them.
Next: 2025-18602, The Gold Card
The Gold Card is a new visa program that lets wealthy immigrants speed up their path to living in the U.S. by donating $1 million (or $2 million if a company donates for them) to the government. This program targets entrepreneurs and investors who want to help America grow while tightening rules on illegal immigration. Starting soon, this change aims to boost the economy and protect national security without delay.