US H-1B changes in 2026: What shifting immigration policies mean for global talent and career planning

New immigration policy changes in the United States are reshaping how companies hire global talent, particularly through the H-1B visa programme. Rising costs, including a proposed $100,000 fee for certain overseas petitions, and a shift to wage-weighted visa selection are creating uncertainty for employers and international professionals. As demand for AI and tech talent grows, companies are increasingly exploring alternative visas and permanent residency pathways while competing nations like Canada and the UK attract the same skilled workforce.