Core Points - The Trump administration is shifting U.S. visa policies towards high-skilled and high-salary individuals, particularly through proposed changes to the H1-B visa allocation system from a lottery to a weighted system [1] - The proposed rule aims to prioritize applicants based on salary, job level, and educational qualifications, which could significantly impact the distribution of H1-B visas [1][4] - The current cap for H1-B visas is set at 85,000 per fiscal year, with 20,000 reserved for applicants holding a master's degree or higher [1] Visa Policy Changes - The White House's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) has completed a proposed rule by the Department of Homeland Security to change the H1-B visa allocation method [1] - The new system would reduce the chances for the lowest-income quartile applicants to win a visa, favoring those with higher salaries and qualifications [1][3] Industry Impact - As of the latest report, 64% of H1-B visas were issued to applicants in computer-related occupations, with Indian nationals receiving 71% of these visas [3] - The proposed weighted system may not necessarily favor high absolute salaries but rather the salary level within the specific occupation, potentially disadvantaging entry-level positions [4] Implementation Timeline - The proposed rule has not yet been published in the Federal Register and will undergo a 30-60 day public comment period before finalization [5] - If the process proceeds smoothly, the new rules could affect the H1-B lottery for the fiscal year 2027, with registration beginning in March of the following year [5] Recommendations for Applicants - Applicants are advised to communicate effectively with employers regarding job codes, work locations, and salary information to enhance their chances under the new system [6] - International students may consider leveraging their advanced degrees as a dual advantage, as higher educational qualifications could provide additional weighting in the new visa allocation process [7]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. visa policy is shifting towards favoring high-skilled and high-salary individuals, as evidenced by recent regulatory changes proposed by the Trump administration [1] Visa Policy Changes - The White House's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) has completed a proposed new rule from the Department of Homeland Security to change the H1-B visa allocation from a lottery system to a weighted system [1] - The H1-B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations, with an annual cap of 85,000 visas, including 20,000 specifically for applicants with a master's degree or higher [1] Implications for Applicants - The proposed changes will prioritize applicants based on salary, job level, and educational background, potentially disadvantaging lower-income applicants [1] - Doug Rand, a senior official at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, indicated that the likelihood of the lowest-income quartile receiving lottery chances will decrease [1] Industry Insights - As of the latest report from USCIS, 64% of H1-B visas were issued to applicants in computer-related occupations, with Indian citizens accounting for 71% and Chinese citizens for 12% [4] - The new weighted system may favor higher-paid computer professionals, but the absolute salary amount is not the sole determining factor; salary levels within the occupation will be considered [4][5] Salary Level Considerations - The new rule will categorize jobs into four salary levels based on the Department of Labor's statistics, affecting the chances of applicants based on their salary relative to the prevailing wage for their occupation [5] - For example, a teacher earning $112,790 per year may have a higher chance of selection than a software engineer earning $135,699 if their salary meets the higher level criteria [5] Future Outlook - The proposed rule is not yet finalized and will undergo a public comment period before implementation, with potential effects on the H1-B lottery for the 2027 fiscal year [5] - Applicants are advised to communicate effectively with employers regarding job codes, salary, and requirements to enhance their chances under the new system [6] Additional Visa Considerations - F-1 visa holders will no longer be able to start new programs at the same or lower educational levels after completing their studies, impacting their options for further education [7] - Employers in academia and non-profit research institutions can apply for H-1B visas year-round without a lottery, and O-1 visas for individuals with extraordinary abilities have no cap [7]

Core Viewpoint - The proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security aims to change the visa regulations for international students and scholars, potentially limiting their stay in the U.S. and increasing the complexity of visa management [3][4][6]. Summary by Sections Proposed Changes - The current "Duration of Status (D/S)" for F, J, and I visa holders will be replaced with fixed stay periods, with F and J visa holders allowed to stay for the duration of their program or a maximum of 4 years, whichever is shorter [3][6]. - The maximum stay for foreign media representatives will be limited to 240 days [3]. Impact on Students - The new regulations may significantly affect international students, particularly those pursuing undergraduate and doctoral degrees, as the average time to complete these degrees exceeds the proposed limits [3][4]. - F-1 students will face stricter rules regarding course changes and will only be allowed to pursue higher-level degrees after graduation [6][7]. Application Process Changes - The grace period for F-1 students after completing their studies will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days [6][7]. - Students wishing to extend their stay will need to apply directly to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) [6][7]. Public Response and Concerns - Various educational organizations have expressed opposition to the proposed rule, arguing it will create unnecessary burdens and uncertainties for international students and institutions [12][13]. - Concerns have been raised about the potential negative impact on the U.S.'s attractiveness as a destination for international students, with a reported decline in student numbers [14]. Future Process - The proposed rule is currently in a public comment phase, which will conclude on September 29, 2025, followed by a review of feedback and potential modifications before final implementation [11].

Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration is set to restore the legal status of thousands of foreign students in the U.S. whose student visa registrations were recently terminated [1] Group 1: Policy Changes - The U.S. government has canceled over a thousand international student visas or legal statuses, leading to significant legal actions [1] - On April 18, more than 100 affected international students filed a lawsuit in federal court to restore their legal status and prevent the government from continuing this policy [1] Group 2: Government Actions - On January 20, the day Trump took office, an executive order was signed to review and potentially suspend entry for citizens from countries with insufficient screening information [1] - In March, reports indicated that the Trump administration was considering visa restrictions for citizens from 43 countries [1] - By late March, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that over 300 visas had been revoked, primarily affecting student visas, with some tourist visas also included [1]