Can I still get an H-1B with an entry-level (Level 1) salary?

but the odds are lower. You will receive only 1 entry in the lottery, whereas higher-paid peers can get up to 4 entries.

Does the $100,000 fee apply to everyone?

It primarily targets new applicants outside the U.S. universities (cap-exempt), and visa extensions are generally not affected.

USA Work Visa Eligibility Criteria 2026: The Dawn of the “High-Skill” Era

Are you planning to advance your career in the United States this year? The landscape for USA Work Visa Eligibility Criteria 2026 has shifted significantly. Following the implementation of the H-1B Weighted Selection Rule and intensified digital vetting, simply having a job offer is no longer enough.

In this guide, we break down the essential requirements, new costs, and critical updates you need to know to secure your professional future in the U.S.

1. Temporary (Non-Immigrant) Work Visas: The 2026 Framework

The U.S. has moved toward a “merit-based” system for temporary workers. Here is how the criteria stand for the most popular categories:

H-1B Visa: Specialty Occupations

For IT, engineering, and healthcare professionals, the H-1B remains the primary route, but the selection process is no longer just a random lottery.

Weighted Selection Process: Starting February 27, 2026, USCIS favors higher-paid applicants. Your “entries” into the lottery are now based on your salary level:
- Level IV (Highest): 4 entries
- Level III: 3 entries
- Level II: 2 entries
- Level I (Entry): 1 entry
The “$100,000 Fee”: Under a recent Presidential Proclamation, new H-1B applicants currently outside the U.S. are required to pay an additional $100,000 fee. The goal is to prioritize the recruitment of high-value roles.
Education: A U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent in a specific field is mandatory.

L-1 Visa: Intracompany Transferees

Ideal for managers (L-1A) or employees with specialized knowledge (L-1B) transferring from a foreign branch to an American office.

2. Permanent (Immigrant) Visas: Green Card Eligibility

In 2026, eligibility for an Employment-Based (EB) Green Card depends on the “Priority Date” found in the monthly Visa Bulletin.

Category	Eligibility Focus	January 2026 Status
EB-1	Extraordinary ability & multinational managers.	“Current” for most countries; Aug 2023 cutoff for China/India.
EB-2	Advanced degrees or exceptional ability.	Oct 2024 cutoff for most countries.
EB-3	Skilled workers and professionals.	Large backlogs exist for India (Aug 2014) and China (Jan 2022).

3. Strict 2026 Vetting and Compliance Rules

Social Media Vetting (“Public Profile” Rule)

As of early 2026, the Department of State has expanded mandatory social media screening.

Requirement: Applicants for H-1B, F-1, and J-1 visas must disclose all social media handles used over the last five years.
Critical Action: You are instructed to keep your profiles “Public” during the vetting period so consular officers can verify your identity and intent.

Reduced EAD Validity

If you are working while your green card is pending (adjustment of status):

18-Month Limit: New Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) are now issued for only 18 months instead of the previous 5 years.
No Auto-Extension: The 540-day automatic extension rule ended in late 2025. To avoid a gap in work authorization, you must file your renewal 6 months before expiry.

Also Read:How Blue-Collar Workers Can Adapt to Job Culture in Australia in 2026

4. How to Apply in 2026 (Step-by-Step)

Secure a High-Wage Offer: Since the lottery is now based on salary, a higher pay offer significantly increases your H-1B success rate.
Audit Your Digital Footprint: Ensure your LinkedIn and social media profiles are consistent with your CV.
LCA Certification: Your employer must obtain Labor Condition Application (LCA) approval from the Department of Labor.
Electronic Registration: For H-1B, register via the USCIS portal in March 2026 ($215 fee).
Consular Interview: Prepare for rigorous questioning, especially regarding your skills and financial self-sufficiency (Public Charge Rule).

(FAQs): USA Work Visa Eligibility Criteria 2026

Can I still get an H-1B with an entry-level (Level 1) salary?

but the odds are lower. You will receive only 1 entry in the lottery, whereas higher-paid peers can get up to 4 entries.
Does the $100,000 fee apply to everyone?

It primarily targets new applicants outside the U.S. universities (cap-exempt), and visa extensions are generally not affected.

Conclusion: Are You Ready for 2026?

The USA Work Visa Eligibility Criteria 2026 now prioritize “high-skill, high-wage” applicants more than ever. Success this year requires early planning and a clean digital record.

Want to know if your job category falls into the high-wage level? Comment below or share this guide with a colleague planning their move!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from official sources, such as the USCIS or Department of State websites, before making any decisions.