Texas Halts H-1B Visas and Shakes Up Universities

• Texas Suspends H-1B Visas
• Abbott Orders Statewide Review
• Universities Face Restrictions

Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the suspension of new H-1B visa applications across state agencies and public universities.

The measure also includes a comprehensive review of the current use of the program.

The directive was issued on Tuesday and applies to the entire state government. Abbott cited a previous order by President Donald Trump as the basis for the decision.

How the H-1B Visa Works in Texas

Governor @GregAbbott_TX demanded all state agencies and universities freeze new H-1B visa petitions & review existing H-1B programs to combat fraud & ensure American jobs are going to American workers.

Read the Governor’s letter here: https://t.co/ukPOpCo1by pic.twitter.com/OZW1TbPt2b

— Governor Abbott Press Office (@GovAbbottPress) January 27, 2026

The order directly impacts public universities and state agencies in Texas. These institutions rely on the H-1B program to hire highly skilled personnel.

Abbott stated that the state economy must prioritize local workers and employers. “It must benefit Texas workers and Texas employers,” he wrote in the executive order.

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The governor argued that state government should set an example, especially when it comes to jobs funded by taxpayer dollars.

The suspension aligns with a restrictive stance on labor immigration. Abbott has led some of the most visible anti-immigration strategies in the country.

The governor also referenced recent reports of abuse within the H-1B program. He did not cite specific cases or provide additional details.

What the Order Establishes

Gov. Greg Abbott has directed all public universities and state agencies to freeze new H-1B visa applications, escalating his administration’s scrutiny of foreign workers employed at taxpayer-funded institutions. | via @TexasTribune https://t.co/zDHU3SwtRh pic.twitter.com/d0StMFtkkc

— KUT Austin (@KUT) January 27, 2026

State agencies and public universities will not be allowed to initiate new H-1B applications without written authorization from the Texas Workforce Commission.

The restriction will remain in effect until May 31, 2027. That date coincides with the end of the next state legislative session, according to Efe.

Abbott also ordered a review of current H-1B visa usage. The analysis will be conducted by the Texas Workforce Commission.

Institutions must submit detailed reports by March 27. These reports must include all H-1B visas they currently sponsor.

In addition, agencies and universities will be required to demonstrate local hiring efforts. Each position filled by an H-1B holder must have first been offered to qualified Texans.

The order seeks to document that reasonable opportunities were provided to in-state candidates before any visa petition was filed.

The Context of the H-1B Program

Inbox: @GregAbbott_TX announces pause in H1-B visa applications. Full letter here: https://t.co/vOlB8ilwcB pic.twitter.com/s5N7N7C7Ay

— Hannah Brewer (@HannahBrewerTX) January 27, 2026

The H-1B visa allows employers to hire highly qualified foreign professionals. It is intended for temporary employment in “specialty occupations.”

These positions require at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Common roles include civil engineers, software developers, and researchers.

An H-1B visa is initially granted for three years and can be extended up to a maximum of six years.

Since 1990, Congress has capped the number of visas available each year. The program was created under that annual limit framework.

The current legal cap is 65,000 visas per year, with an additional 20,000 reserved for applicants holding a master’s degree or doctorate from a U.S. institution.

Last September, Donald Trump announced a new cost associated with the program. His administration said it would impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B applications.