H-1B Visas: Applicants will see major changes to the visa process starting April 1, here’s what you need to know

In response to years of criticism about randomness and abuse H-1B On the lottery front, federal agencies are increasing scrutiny and tying selection more directly to job quality.

The changes, which come into effect on April 1, mark a wider move to link visas to wages, work regulations and employer responsibilities.

April 1 not only means the beginning of the annual New Year H-1B Filing period. It also introduces one of the most significant procedural changes the program has experienced in years.

Also read: US plans to raise wages for H-1B visa holders, increasing hiring costs by up to 33%; what it means for Indian workers

“With the new Form I-129 now requiring disclosure of detailed salary levels, as well as a salary-weighted lottery system that ties selection odds directly to these classifications, employers can no longer afford guesswork or inconsistencies. Pay levels must reflect the requirements of the job, not who happens to be doing it.”

As of that date, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (immigration office) will be mandatory for all H-1B Application File using the newly updated Form I-129. Any petition submitted using an outdated version of the form will be rejected without exception.

However, one immigration lawyer said the revised document was just part of a wider change.

With this method, an applicant’s likelihood of being selected is directly related to the Department of Labor (DOL) salary level assigned to the position.

Higher-paying positions offer better odds of winning, making accurate and timely wage classification even more important than in previous filing seasons.

Steven A. Brown, a partner at the immigration law firm Reddy Neumann Brown PC, said on his website that the new system leaves little room for error, saying “employers can no longer afford guesswork or inconsistencies.”

He clarified that employers are now obliged to provide comprehensive salary-related information directly on the petition, including educational prerequisites, years of experience, supervisory responsibilities and professional skills.

By forcing employers to record these details on Form I-129, USCIS can more effectively compare the information provided during registration, what is noted in the labor condition application, and what is ultimately presented in the petition.

Brown believes the basic rules remain the same. “Prevailing wage levels are determined by the requirements of the position, not by the qualifications of the individual being hired,” he said.

This means that positions requiring a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience must be classified accordingly, regardless of whether the selected candidate has more experience or a higher level of certification.

Likewise, exaggerating job requirements can present its own set of challenges.

Positions that don’t really require top-level autonomy or leadership may come under scrutiny if they are zoned at the top salary level simply to increase their chances of being picked.