US DHS May End H-1B Lottery: New ‘Weighted’ Selection Model Under Review in Washington
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering a significant change to the H-1B visa lottery system. The current system, which randomly selects applicants when demand exceeds the annual cap, may be replaced by a new ‘weighted’ selection model. This model would prioritize applicants based on factors such as salary and seniority.
A recent study suggests that switching to this weighted approach could increase the economic value of the H-1B program by up to 88 percent. Currently, the random lottery does not allow prioritization of higher-skilled or higher-paid workers, potentially limiting economic gains.
Key aspects of the proposed weighted model include:
- Applicants offering higher salaries may increase their selection chances.
- Applicants with greater experience or seniority may receive priority.
- The goal is to attract top talent and maximize economic benefits for the US workforce.
The DHS is currently reviewing feedback from various stakeholders before finalizing any decision. If this change is implemented, it could significantly alter how employers and foreign professionals approach the H-1B visa application process.
Stay tuned to Khiladi Cafe for the latest updates on this potential policy shift.
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