Washington is buzzing with anticipation over sweeping changes to the H-1B visa program, projected to inject over $20 billion into the American economy over the next decade. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has forecasted that these reforms, spearheaded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), could yield massive net benefits starting from 2026 through 2035.
The new selection system introduces a weighted lottery favoring higher-skilled and higher-paid applicants, aiming to align the program more closely with congressional intent. DHS estimates the implementation will cost around $303 million, but the public payoff could reach a staggering $19.78 billion in net savings, with total transfers climbing to $34.34 billion over ten years.
However, cracks are appearing in the rollout plan. GAO warns that the effective date of February 27, 2026, might violate the Congressional Review Act’s mandatory 60-day waiting period following submission to Congress or publication in the Federal Register. The rule was sent to Congress on December 29, 2025, and published the same day, reaching the House immediately but the Senate only on January 5, 2026.
This procedural hiccup has raised eyebrows among lawmakers. GAO’s report, delivered this week to leaders of the Senate and House Judiciary Committees, underscores the oversight role these bodies play in immigration policy and DHS operations.
Small businesses won’t escape the impact unscathed, prompting DHS to conduct a specialized regulatory analysis. The department insists no additional legal mandates apply, emphasizing that the changes preserve flexibility for employers across all wage levels while prioritizing top talent.
For Indian professionals dominating H-1B applications in tech, engineering, and healthcare, these shifts carry immense weight. As the program remains the primary gateway for skilled foreign workers, stakeholders on both sides of the Atlantic are watching closely for how this balances economic gains against compliance hurdles.