Tim Sheehy Introduces Act to Overhaul H-1B Visa Program

Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana introduced the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026 on Thursday, proposing a comprehensive overhaul of the H-1B visa program. The legislation would suspend the issuance of new H-1B visas for three years before restarting the program with a significantly reduced annual cap of 25,000 visas and a minimum salary requirement of $200,000.

To shift the program away from a lottery system, the bill proposes wage-based selection and prohibits third-party staffing agencies from sponsoring visas. It also incorporates a $100,000 petition fee previously proposed by Donald Trump. Further restrictions include the elimination of Optional Practical Training for foreign students, the removal of the "dual intent" provision for permanent residency, and a ban on H-class visa holders bringing dependents.

Sheehy argues the current program serves as a "large-scale labor substitution pipeline" that undermines American workers and creates national security vulnerabilities in the defense and artificial intelligence sectors. The legislation received support from the Immigration Accountability Project and the Federation for American Immigration Reform.