USCIS published a final rule in the Federal Register: 90 FR 60864 (December 29, 2025), modifying how H-1B work visa petitions will be selected for processing, as submitted by cap-subject employers. The rule will take effect February 27, 2026.
This rule does not affect petitions submitted by cap-exempt employers such as MIT or other higher education institutions and non-profits. However, it will impact certain foreign national MIT graduates and others seeking employment in the for-profit private sector.
In brief, the selection process will generally favor the allocation of H-1B visas to “higher skilled and higher paid aliens, while maintaining the opportunity for employers to secure H-1B workers at all wage levels.” Consult the rule for more details. Please direct any questions to the H-1B sponsoring employer.