WASHINGTON: A new US rule, which changes how H-1B work visas are chosen, could bring strong economic gains over the next 10 years, according to a government watchdog, but may be taking effect faster than the law allows.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) said the Department of Homeland Security’s new H-1B selection rule is expected to deliver economic benefits of more than $20 billion between 2026 and 2035. The rule is estimated to cost about $303 million to implement over the same period.
At the same time, the GAO flagged a timing issue under US law.
“The rule has a stated effective date of February 27, 2026, ” the GAO said, noting that this is “less than 60 days from the date of receipt by Congress.”