A Department of Homeland Security final rule, effective 27 February 2026, replaced purely random H-1B cap selection with a weighted process that generally favours higher-skilled and higher-paid positions, while keeping a chance of selection at all wage levels. It applied from the FY 2027 registration season.
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Federal Register (US Department of Homeland Security)
Weighted Selection Process for Registrants and Petitioners Seeking To File Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions (opens in a new tab, external government website)Published · Checked by MATES
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A Department of Homeland Security final rule, effective 15 September 2026, admits F and J students for the length of their programme — up to four years — instead of 'duration of status'. Students who need more time must apply to USCIS for an extension, and the F-1 post-study grace period falls from 60 to 30 days.
From 16 November 2026, eligible graduates of NZQCF Level 5 to 7 qualifications can apply for a new six-month open Short-Term Graduate Work Visa, and Level 7 graduate diplomas held alongside a bachelor's degree become eligible for the Post-Study Work Visa.
Graduate visa applications submitted on or after 1 January 2027 will be granted for 18 months instead of two years. PhD graduates will continue to receive three years.
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