US Republicans propose 3-year halt on H-1B visas, push for sweeping reforms

A group of Republican lawmakers in the United States has introduced a bill proposing a three-year pause on H-1B visas along with sweeping changes to the programme.

The legislation, titled the “End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026,” has been brought forward by Eli Crane, who said the aim is to tighten rules and restructure the system before reopening it.

Arguing that the current framework disadvantages domestic workers, Crane said the proposal is intended to prioritise American employment and reduce what he described as corporate misuse of the visa programme. The bill has drawn support from fellow Republican lawmakers including Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar and Andy Ogles.

Among its key provisions, the bill seeks to cut the annual H-1B visa cap from 65,000 to 25,000 and eliminate all existing exemptions. It proposes replacing the current lottery system with a wage-based selection process, setting a minimum salary threshold of $200,000 per year.

The legislation also requires employers to certify that no qualified American worker is available for a role and that no layoffs have taken place. It would bar H-1B visa holders from holding multiple jobs and prohibit third-party staffing agencies from employing them.

Additional measures include banning dependents from accompanying visa holders, ending the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, and removing pathways to permanent residency. It also mandates that nonimmigrant visa holders leave the US before switching visa categories and prevents federal agencies from sponsoring such workers.

Supporters argue the reforms are necessary to protect American jobs and ensure the programme serves its original purpose. Critics of the current system have long claimed it allows companies to replace domestic workers with lower-cost foreign labour, while industry groups maintain it helps address skill shortages and drives innovation.

The H-1B visa programme enables US companies to hire foreign professionals in specialised fields such as technology and engineering. Indian nationals have consistently been among the largest beneficiaries, forming a significant share of the high-skilled workforce in the United States.