New H-1B Rule Pushes Employers to Rethink Workforce Options

Employers will need to reevaluate workforce planning and hiring strategies as the Trump administration replaces the randomized H-1B visa lottery with a selection process that favors highly paid workers.

The new rule, which goes into effect Feb. 27 ahead of the next lottery, gives workers greater odds if they’re placed in the highest of four wage levels.

Immigration advocates and attorneys say the change could lead employers to alter the types of foreign workers they hire, outsource roles to other countries, or turn to other, more limited, visa options.

“With the emphasis on wages, the nature of roles—level of ...