H1B Changes Are Coming: What International Students Need to Know

A New Kind of H1B Lottery?

The biggest potential change is this: the H1B lottery may no longer be completely random.

Instead, the government is considering a “weighted lottery” system. That means:

• Applications tied to higher wage jobs (like Level 2 or Level 3 salaries) might be entered multiple times into the lottery.
• Entry-level jobs (Wage Level 1), which many recent grads get, could be entered only once—or even have a lower chance overall.

This system would give larger employers or higher-paying companies a stronger chance of securing visas for their employees. On the flip side, it could make it harder for recent graduates or smaller companies to compete.

 

What Does This Mean for F1/OPT/CPT Students?

If you’re on F1 status and planning to apply for H1B via OPT or CPT work experience, this could affect your chances. Most international students start with entry-level roles, which usually fall under Wage Level 1. Under a weighted lottery, those applications might get pushed to the back of the line.

Even more importantly, there was also discussion about possible changes to Day One CPT programs and second master’s degrees:

• Second master’s degrees may no longer qualify for CPT at all.
• Students who want to extend their time in the U.S. may need to consider a PhD instead of repeating a master’s.

While current students will likely be “grandfathered in,” future applicants could face new limitations.

The Timeline: When Would This Happen?

Nothing has changed yet—and these are still proposals, not finalized rules.

But if the rulemaking process moves quickly, the new lottery system could be in place as early as the 2026 H1B season. It’s also possible that legal challenges could delay or stop the rule entirely, as we’ve seen with past immigration proposals.

 

What You Can Do Now

This isn’t just a time to watch from the sidelines. Here’s what students and advisors can do now to stay ahead:

• Stay informed: Follow updates from USCIS or reliable immigration law sources.
• Talk to your employer: Make sure they’re aware of the possible changes and understand how wage levels affect your H1B chances.
• Plan early: If you’re considering a second degree or Day One CPT program, talk to your advisor about your long-term strategy.
• Submit your voice: Once the proposed rule is officially released, there will be a public comment period. Students are strongly encouraged to share how the change would affect them personally. These comments can help shape the final decision.
  

   

Final Thoughts

Policy changes like this can feel overwhelming—but knowing what’s coming gives you a huge advantage.

Whether you’re a student hoping to stay and work in the U.S., or an advisor helping students map out their options, now’s the time to start preparing. There’s still time to act, plan, and—importantly—speak up.

If you have questions about how these changes might affect your situation or your students, feel free to reach out. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this and sharing updates as they come.