Washington, October 10, 2025 The Donald Trump administration is preparing to introduce stricter regulations for the H-1B visa program, following the recent announcement of a $100,000 mandatory application fee, marking another significant shift in the United States’ immigration policy.
According to a proposal listed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in its regulatory agenda, the planned rule — titled “Reforming the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Classification Program” — seeks to tighten eligibility criteria, redefine cap exemptions, and enhance oversight of employers participating in the program.
The proposed changes aim to scrutinize employers more closely, especially those who have previously violated visa regulations or rely heavily on third-party placements. DHS noted that the revisions are intended to “improve the integrity of the H-1B program and better protect US workers’ wages and working conditions.”
Currently, the US government issues 65,000 H-1B visas annually, with an additional 20,000 reserved for applicants holding advanced degrees from American universities.
However, it remains unclear whether the new rules will alter which employers or roles qualify for exemptions, potentially affecting universities, nonprofit research institutions, and healthcare organizations that currently benefit from these provisions.
The proposed restrictions are expected to impact thousands of Indian professionals and students, who make up a large share of H-1B applicants.
As per the DHS notice, the final rule could be published by December 2025, signaling another step in the administration’s broader effort to reshape the US work visa system.
