End H–1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026
Latest action (23 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 5097, the "End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026," would make extensive changes to the H-1B skilled-worker visa program. It would halt issuance of new H-1B visas for three years, then cap annual issuances at 25,000, replace the current lottery with a system prioritizing highest-wage job offers, and shorten the maximum visa duration from six to three years. Employers would face new requirements, including attesting to a lack of available U.S. workers, no recent layoffs, and a minimum $200,000 salary, plus a new $100,000 per-petition fee. The bill would bar H-1B workers' spouses and children from accompanying them, prohibit concurrent or third-party/staffing-agency employment, end "dual intent," and eliminate work authorization for foreign students (OPT) and certain J-visa holders. It would also bar federal agencies from hiring nonimmigrant visa holders, and sharply restrict adjustment of status and changes between nonimmigrant visa categories.
The bill primarily affects employers who sponsor H-1B workers (especially in technology and other skilled fields), foreign nationals seeking or holding H-1B, student, or other nonimmigrant visas, their family members, and federal agencies that employ nonimmigrants.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 23, 2026, by Sen. Tim Sheehy with a cosponsor, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. It has not yet received committee action, floor votes, or House consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 23, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5097 do?
- S. 5097, the "End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026," would make extensive changes to the H-1B skilled-worker visa program. It would halt issuance of new H-1B visas for three years, then cap annual issuances at 25,000, replace the current lottery with a system prioritizing highest-wage job offers, and shorten the maximum visa duration from six to three years. Employers would face new requirements, including attesting to a lack of available U.S. workers, no recent layoffs, and a minimum $200,000 salary, plus a new $100,000 per-petition fee. The bill would bar H-1B workers' spouses and children from accompanying them, prohibit concurrent or third-party/staffing-agency employment, end "dual intent," and eliminate work authorization for foreign students (OPT) and certain J-visa holders. It would also bar federal agencies from hiring nonimmigrant visa holders, and sharply restrict adjustment of status and changes between nonimmigrant visa categories. The bill primarily affects employers who sponsor H-1B workers (especially in technology and other skilled fields), foreign nationals seeking or holding H-1B, student, or other nonimmigrant visas, their family members, and federal agencies that employ nonimmigrants. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 23, 2026, by Sen. Tim Sheehy with a cosponsor, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. It has not yet received committee action, floor votes, or House consideration.
- Has S. 5097 become law?
- Not yet. As of 23 Jul 2026, S. 5097 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5097?
- S. 5097 was sponsored by Sen. Tim Sheehy [R-MT] (Republican-MT), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5097?
- Introduced (23 Jul 2026).
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