US Overhauls H-1B Visa: Skill & Salary Now Key, Lottery System Ends from 2026

• US abolishes random H-1B visa lottery, replacing it with a "weighted process" prioritizing skill and salary.
• New system aims to attract "best talent" and prevent misuse for low-salary jobs, effective February 27, 2026 (FY 2027).
• Selection will be based on wage levels: higher salaries (Level IV) get more entries, lower salaries (Level I) get fewer.
• This change benefits high-skilled Indian professionals but may challenge freshers and those with lower packages.
• The reform is linked to previous calls for H-1B tightening, including policies proposed by Donald Trump.

Why It Matters: H-1B visas now prioritize skill and salary over luck, impacting global tech talent.