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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11595 — Strengthening Customs Enforcement
The government is cracking down on customs rules to stop illegal goods and make sure importers pay their fair share. Importers will need to show they have enough money or assets to cover their duties, and new rules will roll out within 180 days. This means safer trade, stronger borders, and fairer business for everyone.
2026-11594 — Implementing Schedule Policy/Career in the Excepted Service
This new rule affects federal employees in important policy jobs, making it easier to remove those who don’t do their jobs well while still hiring based on merit, not politics. Starting now, these policy-focused career roles will have clearer rules for accountability and rewards for great work. This change helps keep the government effective and fair, with no extra costs or delays announced.
2026-11415 — Promoting Advanced Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Security
The President is boosting America’s leadership in advanced AI by cutting red tape and teaming up with private companies to make AI safer and stronger. This means faster tech upgrades, better cyber defenses, and protecting American ideas from theft—all starting right away with key actions due within 30 days. If you work in government or AI industries, get ready for big changes that speed innovation while keeping our country secure.
2026-11314 — Further Adjusting the Tariff Regimes for Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper Into the United States
The U.S. is updating tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper imports to keep our national security strong. Big changes include higher taxes on metal products starting soon, affecting importers and industries using these metals. These moves aim to protect American jobs and industries while keeping prices fair.
2026-11181 — Removing Unnecessary and Counterproductive Restrictions on Access to Federal Lands
This new order makes it easier for people to enjoy federal lands by removing old, confusing rules about off-road vehicle use that are no longer needed. It affects anyone who visits or manages public lands, updating rules to match modern technology and laws. These changes start right away and aim to save time and money while still protecting the environment.
2026-11180 — Realigning United States Core Childhood Vaccine Recommendations With Best Practices From Peer, Developed Countries
The U.S. is updating its childhood vaccine schedule to match the best practices of other developed countries, focusing on fewer vaccines but keeping all current options available. This change aims to boost public trust and respect parents' rights while still protecting kids’ health. The new schedule will roll out soon, with no extra costs expected for families or the government.
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.