The United States has announced major H-1B visa selection system changes, effective February 27, 2026, reshaping how Pakistani skilled professionals will compete for US work visas from FY2027.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced sweeping H-1B visa selection system changes, marking a significant shift for Pakistani professionals seeking US employment opportunities.
Under the revised system, the H-1B visa will no longer rely solely on a random lottery. Instead, applications will be prioritised based on skill level and offered salary, aligning visa allocation with US labour market needs. The final rule will take effect on February 27, 2026, and will apply from the FY2027 H-1B registration season.
Every year, thousands of Pakistani IT experts, software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, doctors, and engineers apply for H-1B visas. Until now, highly skilled candidates competed equally with entry-level applicants due to the random lottery system.
According to DHS, the old model encouraged some employers to submit multiple registrations for the same candidate to increase selection chances. The new policy addresses this loophole by ensuring each applicant is counted only once, regardless of how many employers submit registrations.
Under the updated framework, applications will be evaluated using US Department of Labor wage data. Higher-paying roles will receive greater weighting in the selection pool, significantly improving prospects for Pakistani professionals offered senior, well-paid positions.
Experts say the reform restores the original purpose of the H-1B programme by discouraging low-wage hiring and rewarding genuine expertise. While entry-level candidates remain eligible, priority will clearly favour higher-skill profiles.
Pakistani immigration analysts believe the change will motivate young professionals to upgrade skills, target competitive salaries, and align with global industry standards to remain competitive.
UK Visa Rules Also Tightened
Separately, the UK has announced stricter visa requirements. From January 8, 2026, applicants for UK job and professional visas must meet English language proficiency at B2 level, requiring fluency in complex and technical discussions. The move is expected to raise challenges for first-time applicants.
