Immigration – US Senate Bill on H-1B, L-1 Visas Sees No Progress Yet

Immigration –  The Indian government has informed Parliament that a proposed US legislation concerning H-1B and L-1 visas has not moved forward since its introduction last year.

The Centre on Friday stated that it is closely monitoring developments related to a bill introduced in the United States Senate that proposes changes to key work visa programmes. According to the latest information available, the legislation remains at an early stage with no significant advancement in the legislative process.

Bill Status Remains Unchanged Since Introduction

In a written reply to a query in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh confirmed that the bill, titled the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2025, was introduced in the US Senate in September last year. It was subsequently referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where it continues to remain pending.

As of March 21, there have been no hearings, discussions, or revisions to the proposal. This indicates that the bill has not yet entered an active phase of legislative scrutiny or debate.

Proposed Changes to Visa Programmes

The proposed legislation aims to bring sweeping changes to the H-1B and L-1 visa frameworks. These visas are widely used by companies to employ foreign professionals, particularly in the technology sector.

Key provisions of the bill include increasing salary thresholds for visa holders, requiring employers to prioritise hiring US workers, and limiting the proportion of foreign employees in large firms. Companies with more than 50 workers could face a cap of 50 percent on H-1B and L-1 visa holders.

Additionally, the bill seeks to tighten the definitions of “specialty occupation” and “specialised knowledge,” which are critical criteria for visa eligibility. It also proposes reducing the maximum duration for which H-1B visas can be held and expanding enforcement powers to ensure compliance.

Potential Impact on Indian Professionals

The Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged that if the bill eventually becomes law, it could have notable consequences for Indian professionals working in the United States.

Among the possible effects highlighted are higher hiring costs for employers, which may discourage companies from sponsoring or renewing visas for mid-level or less experienced workers. This could reduce opportunities for Indian talent in the US job market.

The government also noted that some companies might choose to relocate work to India or other countries as a result of stricter regulations. Furthermore, changes to visa duration limits could make it more challenging for professionals to transition to permanent residency in the US.

Enforcement Initiative: Project Firewall

In response to another query, the government provided details about “Project Firewall,” an initiative launched by the US Department of Labor in September 2025.

This programme focuses on enforcing existing H-1B visa regulations rather than introducing new laws. It involves audits and investigations into cases where there may be displacement of American workers, improper hiring practices, or violations related to wages and job conditions.

Authorities can impose penalties such as back wages, financial fines, and even temporary bans on companies from participating in the visa programme if violations are found.

Ongoing Monitoring and Diplomatic Engagement

The Indian government emphasised that it remains actively engaged with US authorities on matters related to skilled worker mobility. These discussions are aimed at protecting the interests of Indian professionals while also respecting the domestic policies of the United States.

Officials noted that Project Firewall is currently operational and has led to several ongoing investigations. However, it functions within the existing legal framework and does not represent a new statutory change.

India continues to track developments surrounding the proposed visa reforms and maintains dialogue with stakeholders to ensure that any potential impact on its workforce is addressed in a balanced and constructive manner.