U.S. Proposes Higher Minimum Wages for H-1B Workers

The U.S. government is reviewing a proposal to raise the minimum wages for H-1B foreign workers, which could significantly impact hiring costs and job opportunities for entry-level positions. The proposal, submitted to the U.S.

Department of Labor, seeks to increase the prevailing wage levels across various visa categories, including H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, and the permanent labor certification program. The current wage structure consists of four tiers, and the proposed changes would raise salary thresholds across these levels.

This move may reduce the number of lower-paid positions available under the H-1B visa program, potentially limiting opportunities for early-career professionals. This is not the first attempt to revise wage thresholds for foreign workers; in 2021, the Trump administration introduced a rule that significantly increased wage percentiles, which faced legal challenges and was later withdrawn.

Full details of the current proposal are expected to be disclosed once published in the federal register, allowing stakeholders to submit public comments before the final rule is adopted.