H-1B visa: UAE expats face stiff competition

STRONG QUALIFICATIONS AND HIGHER PAY ESSENTIAL

- BY JUSTIN VARGHESE

The US is set to change how it hands out H-1B work visas, a move that could have a direct impact on professionals in the UAE and expats around the world hoping to work in America.

The Department of Homeland Security said it will replace the longstanding random lottery system with a new selection process that favours higher-paid and higher-skilled applicants. The new rules will take effect on February 27, 2026, and will apply to the 2027 H-1B visa intake.