What are the proposed changes to the U.S. H-1B programme? | Explained

The U.S. has an annual H-1B visa cap of 85,000. Of this, Indians account for about 71-74% of the approved applications. Representational file image. | Photo Credit: Reuters The story so far: The U.S. government is all set to introduce wide-ranging changes to the rules regarding the manner in which it allows foreigners to work and study in the U.S. — including its H-1B work visa programme, Optional Practical Training (OPT) system, and employment-based Green Cards. These changes are part of recommendations made by three core Departments in the U.S. government — Homeland Security, Labor, and State — under the Unified Regulatory Agendas that they periodically release.The rules aren’t in place yet, but are expected to come into effect in August this year. One such rule, by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), would reduce the exemptions granted to universities and some research organisations from the cap on H-1B visa issued. Published - July 11, 2026 09:52 am IST