As of July 21, 2025, the process for awarding H-1B visas in the United States 🇺🇸 has changed in important ways that affect both employers and foreign workers. The government now places a strong focus on seniority and wage levels when deciding who gets selected for these work visas. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what these changes mean for people who have already applied or are planning to apply.
Summary of What Changed
The main change is that the United States 🇺🇸 government now uses a system that gives priority to H-1B visa applicants who have higher salaries and more senior positions. The Department of Labor (DOL) has set up four wage levels that match different levels of experience and job seniority:
- Level 1: Entry-level jobs, usually for people just starting out
- Level 2: Jobs for workers with some experience
- Level 3: Jobs for experienced workers
- Level 4: Jobs for fully competent or senior workers
When employers submit H-1B registrations, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses these wage levels to rank applicants. The system now gives first priority to Level 4 (senior) workers, then Level 3, and so on. This means that people with higher salaries and more experience have a much better chance of being selected for an H-1B visa.
Who Is Affected by These Changes
These changes affect several groups:
- Foreign workers who want to work in the United States 🇺🇸 on an H-1B visa, especially those in entry-level jobs or with lower salaries
- Employers who sponsor foreign workers for H-1B visas, especially companies that hire many entry-level workers
- Immigration attorneys and consultants who help with H-1B applications
- Students graduating from U.S. universities who hope to move from student visas to H-1B status
Effective Dates
- The new rules and selection process are in effect as of July 21, 2025.
- The H-1B registration period for 2025 closes on March 24, 2025.
- The lottery and selection process for H-1B visas will use the wage-level system for all applications submitted for the 2025 fiscal year and beyond.
Required Actions for Employers and Applicants
If you are an employer or a foreign worker planning to apply for an H-1B visa, here are the steps you need to take:
- Check the Prevailing Wage:
Before filing, employers must check the prevailing wage for the job’s occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search tool. This tool shows the minimum salary required for each wage level in different cities and job types. -
Determine the Correct Wage Level:
Decide which wage level (1-4) matches the job and the worker’s experience. Level 1 is for entry-level roles, while Level 4 is for senior or highly skilled positions. -
Offer a Competitive Salary:
To improve the chances of selection, employers should offer salaries at Level 3 or Level 4 if possible. The higher the wage level, the better the odds of getting an H-1B visa.
-
Register During the Official Period:
Employers must submit H-1B registrations during the official window, which for 2025 ends on March 24. Only one registration per worker is allowed. Submitting more than one can lead to disqualification. -
Prepare for Processing Times:
After selection, the H-1B petition process can take 3-6 months with regular processing. Employers can pay for premium processing to get a decision within 15 calendar days. -
Monitor Official Announcements:
Stay updated by checking the USCIS H-1B page for any changes or new instructions.
Implications for Pending and Future Applications
- Applicants with Higher Salaries and Seniority:
These applicants now have a much better chance of being selected. For example, a senior software engineer in San Francisco with a salary above $120,000 is likely to be ranked higher than an entry-level worker with a $65,000 salary. -
Entry-Level Applicants:
People applying for entry-level jobs (Level 1) face a much lower chance of getting an H-1B visa. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, very few, if any, Level 1 applicants are expected to receive visas under the new system. -
Employers in High-Cost Areas:
Companies in cities with high living costs, like New York or San Francisco, must offer even higher salaries to meet the prevailing wage for senior roles. This can make it harder for smaller companies to compete for top talent. -
Pending Applications:
If you already submitted an H-1B registration for 2025, your application will be ranked based on the wage level and salary offered. If you are at Level 1, your chances are low unless there are leftover visas after higher levels are filled.
Details on Wage Levels and Salary Thresholds
The DOL’s four wage levels are based on the job’s requirements and the worker’s experience. Here’s how they work:
- Level 1 (Entry-Level):
For workers with little or no experience. The minimum salary is usually around $60,000, but this can be higher in expensive cities. -
Level 2 (Qualified):
For workers with some experience or special skills. The salary is higher than Level 1. -
Level 3 (Experienced):
For workers with several years of experience. Salaries are much higher, often above $100,000 in tech hubs.
- Level 4 (Senior):
For workers who are experts or leaders in their field. Salaries can be $120,000 or more, depending on the city and job.
Employers must pay at least the prevailing wage for the job’s wage level and location. For example, at Visa USA INC in 2025, the average H-1B salary was about $142,543. Senior (Level 4) positions averaged $161,018, while entry-level (Level 1) positions averaged $134,571. This shows that most H-1B workers are paid well above the minimum required.
Recent Trends and Policy Changes
- The average pay for H-1B workers is expected to rise from $97,000 to $128,000 in 2025, a 31% increase. This is because the system now favors higher-paid, more senior workers.
- The H-1B lottery now uses wage-level tiers. Visas are first given to the highest wage levels. If there are any left, they go to lower levels.
- The electronic registration process is now standard. Employers must register online during the set period. The system is designed to be fair and to prevent duplicate entries.
Expert Opinions and Policy Analysis
Many experts believe that ranking H-1B applicants by salary and seniority helps make sure that the most skilled and valuable workers get visas. Economist William Kerr suggests that a pure compensation-based system—where salaries are compared across all jobs and locations—would be even better. This would take into account cost of living and the worker’s age, making the system fairer and more efficient.
However, some people worry that this system makes it much harder for new graduates and early-career workers to get H-1B visas, even if they are in high-demand fields. Employers and immigration lawyers are watching closely to see if the government will make more changes to balance these concerns.
Background and Historical Context
In the past, the H-1B lottery was random. If there were more applications than visas, everyone had an equal chance. Since 2020, the government has moved to a system that gives priority to higher-paid and more experienced workers. The goal is to protect U.S. workers and make sure that H-1B visas go to the most skilled people.
The prevailing wage system has been in place for many years to prevent employers from underpaying foreign workers and to protect the U.S. job market.
Future Outlook
The wage-level based selection system is expected to stay in place for 2025 and beyond. The government may make more changes, such as adjusting for the cost of living in different cities or considering the worker’s age when ranking applications. Employers and applicants should check for updates every year to make sure they meet the latest requirements.
Practical Guidance and Next Steps
If you are an employer:
- Review the job description and determine the correct wage level for the position.
- Use the OFLC Wage Search tool to find the prevailing wage for your job and location.
- Offer a salary that meets or exceeds the required wage level. Aim for Level 3 or Level 4 if possible.
- Register your H-1B candidates during the official window and avoid duplicate registrations.
- Consider premium processing if you need a quick decision.
If you are a foreign worker:
- Talk to your employer about your job’s wage level and salary.
- Understand that higher salaries and more experience improve your chances.
- If you are a recent graduate or entry-level worker, be aware that your chances are lower under the new system.
- Stay informed about changes by checking the USCIS H-1B page.
Official Resources
- H-1B Registration and Information:
USCIS H-1B Electronic Registration Process - Prevailing Wage Data:
OFLC Wage Search Tool - Processing Times:
USCIS Case Processing Times
Implications for Different Groups
- Immigrants:
Those with more experience and higher salaries have a clear advantage. Entry-level workers may need to look for other visa options or gain more experience before applying. -
Employers:
Companies that rely on hiring new graduates or entry-level workers from abroad may need to adjust their hiring plans. They might need to offer higher salaries or focus on more senior roles. -
Students:
International students graduating from U.S. universities may find it harder to get H-1B visas right after graduation. They may need to gain more experience or look for jobs with higher salaries.
Conclusion and Takeaways
The move to prioritize seniority and wage levels in the H-1B visa process is a major shift. It means that higher salaries and more experience are now the keys to getting an H-1B visa. Employers and workers must pay close attention to wage levels and prevailing wage data when planning applications. Entry-level applicants face new challenges, while senior professionals have better odds.
To stay competitive, employers should review their salary offers and job requirements each year. Workers should focus on building skills and experience that qualify them for higher wage levels. Both groups should use official resources and stay updated on policy changes.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are likely to remain in place for the foreseeable future, with possible tweaks to make the system even more focused on salary and seniority. For the latest updates, always check the official USCIS H-1B page.
By understanding these new rules and planning ahead, employers and foreign workers can improve their chances of success in the H-1B visa process.
Learn Today
H-1B Visa → A U.S. work visa for foreign professionals in specialty occupations requiring higher education.
Seniority → The level of experience and job rank of a worker influencing visa selection priorities.
Prevailing Wage → The minimum average wage required by law for a job based on location and experience.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency managing visa applications and approvals.
OFLC Wage Search → An online Department of Labor tool showing required wages by job and location.
This Article in a Nutshell
Starting July 21, 2025, the U.S. H-1B visa process prioritizes high salaries and seniority, reshaping applicant selection. Employers must verify wage levels and submit registrations by March 24, 2025. This change favors experienced workers and challenges entry-level candidates, highlighting the importance of competitive salaries and awareness of new requirements.
— By VisaVerge.com
