H-1B wage based system may hurt fresh graduates
The H-1B lottery could soon be replaced by a wage based selection system. For thousands of Indian students and tech professionals, this change could be harsh. The White House has approved a proposal that prioritises higher paying jobs while pushing lower paying, entry level roles to the bottom.
Impact on fresh Indian graduates
For new Indian graduates on F-1 visas and OPT, this could end H-1B hopes before they even start. Supporters say the rule will prevent lottery abuse and push employers to offer better pay. However, higher salaries mean big companies will dominate the selection, leaving little room for smaller employers.
Startups and smaller firms at risk
Startups, nonprofits and small businesses that cannot offer six figure salaries will struggle to hire skilled workers from abroad. This means fewer opportunities for young Indian talent aiming to start their careers in the United States.
Not law yet but closer than before
The proposal is not law yet and legal challenges could slow it down. But it has moved one step forward. If passed, the rule will shift the H-1B system permanently in favour of high paying employers, forcing others to depend on cap exempt options or abandon the US dream.
