WASHINGTON, Feb 25, 2026 — The United States is edging closer to tightening wage protections for foreign workers under the H-1B visa and PERM employment-based green card programmes after a key federal review milestone was reached. A proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Labor that would revise how prevailing wages are calculated has cleared scrutiny by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), advancing the regulation toward public notice and comment.
The draft rule, titled Improving Wage Protections for H-1B and PERM Employment in the United States, now awaits publication in the Federal Register, where federal agencies typically open a 30- to 60-day window for public input before finalising such regulations. If implemented, the changes could raise the minimum wage levels that employers must offer when sponsoring H-1B professionals and workers seeking permanent residence, a move advocates say will better protect U.S. labour markets and foreign workers alike.
Industry and immigration experts note that higher prevailing wage floors could increase costs for employers who heavily rely on foreign skilled talent, particularly in sectors like technology and healthcare. These revisions may also affect recruitment strategies and whether companies choose to sponsor foreign workers for both temporary and permanent roles.
With the rule now past the federal review stage, attention will turn to its publication timeline and final provisions, which remain confidential until then. news as reported
