Want an H-1B visa? You may need a higher salary under new US proposal

Professionals hoping to secure an H-1B visa to work in the United States could soon need to meet significantly higher salary thresholds if a new proposal from the US Department of Labor is adopted.

According to the proposed rule, the administration plans to increase the minimum wages required under the H-1B visa programme by around 30%, describing the measure as an effort to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at salaries below those earned by comparable US employees.

If finalised, the proposal would also affect the H-1B1, E-3 and PERM labour certification programmes.

Salary thresholds set for biggest revision in two decades

The Department of Labor said the current prevailing wage methodology has remained largely unchanged for 20 years and no longer provides adequate protection for US workers.

Under the proposal, the minimum prevailing wage for entry-level positions would increase to US$97,746, representing a 33.39% rise over the current level. Prevailing wage requirements vary by occupation and geographic location across the United States.

According to the department, existing wage calculations allow some employers to recruit foreign workers at salary levels significantly below those paid to similarly employed US nationals.

What the proposal includes

The proposed rule seeks to revise prevailing wage levels across four experience categories, from entry-level professionals to the most experienced employees. Key changes include:

• Minimum wage levels across H-1B categories would increase by around 30%.
• Entry-level prevailing wages would rise to US$97,746, an increase of 33.39% over current levels.
• The revised wage methodology would apply to the H-1B, H-1B1, E-3 and PERM labour certification programmes.
• Wage requirements would continue to vary depending on the city and occupation.

The administration says the changes are intended to better align wages paid to foreign workers with those earned by US employees performing similar roles.

Mixed response from employers

According to reports, the proposal has received both support and criticism during the consultation period.

Supporters believe higher wage requirements could reduce wage undercutting and strengthen labour market protections for domestic workers.

Some critics, however, say substantially higher prevailing wages could make it more difficult for smaller businesses to recruit international talent. They also contend employers may become less willing to hire fresh graduates or entry-level foreign professionals because of higher salary obligations.

Public consultation underway

The proposal is open for public comments until 26 May, 2027.

Following the consultation period, the US Department of Labor will review stakeholder feedback before deciding whether to issue the rule in its final form.

If adopted, the revised wage framework would represent one of the most significant updates to the H-1B prevailing wage system in two decades, potentially affecting employers, international professionals and future applicants seeking employment in the United States.