H-1B Visa: Impact of $130K Minimum Salary Proposal?

If the proposed $130,000 minimum salary requirement for H-1B visa holders is passed, it would have major consequences for both current H-1B workers and future applicants. Here’s what to expect:

1. Immediate Impact on Current H-1B Holders

Workers earning less than $130,000 could lose eligibility for H-1B extensions or renewals.

Employers may struggle to justify high salaries for mid-level and junior positions.

Job layoffs and forced departures could increase if companies can't afford to meet the new salary threshold.

2. Impact on Future H-1B Applicants

Fewer H-1B jobs available: Many companies (especially startups and mid-sized firms) may stop sponsoring H-1Bs due to cost.

H-1B will become an ""elite visa"": Only high-paying roles (senior engineers, AI researchers, doctors, financial analysts) will qualify.

STEM fields will dominate: Sectors like IT, finance, and biotech will adapt, while others (marketing, HR, teaching) may struggle.

3. Who Will Benefit?

U.S. citizens and green card holders: Companies might hire more local workers due to H-1B salary costs.

High-skilled professionals in AI, ML, and finance: These roles already pay $130K+, making them safer.