Washington, July 31, 2026: A Republican senator has introduced legislation proposing a three-year suspension of new H-1B visas and extensive changes to the American skilled-worker immigration programme.
Montana Senator Tim Sheehy introduced the End H-1B Abuse Act of 2026 on July 23. He argues that the visa category is being used in ways that undercut American workers and create potential risks in sensitive industries.
The proposed legislation would:
Suspend the issuance of new H-1B visas for three years.
Establish a $100,000 fee for each H-1B petition.
Replace the random selection system with a wage-based process.
Restrict concurrent H-1B employment and third-party staffing arrangements.
End “dual intent,” which presently allows an H-1B worker to pursue permanent residence.
Prevent H-class visa holders from bringing dependants.
Eliminate certain work-authorisation programmes for international students and exchange visitors, including programmes structured like Optional Practical Training.
If enacted in its present form, the proposal could substantially affect Indian technology professionals, international students, employers and families. Indian nationals historically account for a large share of approved H-1B petitions.
The measure remains a legislative proposal. It has not been passed by Congress or signed into law, and it has not changed the existing H-1B programme. A bill must complete the required stages in both chambers of Congress and receive presidential approval before becoming law.
Applicants and current visa holders should therefore continue following existing regulations while monitoring the bill’s progress through official government sources.
