What does Preamble of PROTECT Act of 2026 do?

This bill proposes to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act. The stated purpose is to reform the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program. The reform includes exceptions for certain vital professions.

What does SHORT TITLE. of PROTECT Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Prioritizing Resources and Opportunities for Talent, Employment, Compliance, and Terms Act of 2026.

What does PROVISIONS RELATING TO H-1B NONIMMIGRANT PETITIONS. of PROTECT Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 212(n) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It modifies the wage requirement for H-1B nonimmigrant petitions, requiring a minimum annual wage based on either the wage paid to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident performing similar duties or $100,000, adjusted annually for inflation. It imposes limitations on H-1B visa validity and issuance when work is performed at a third-party worksite. It establishes conditions for third-party placement, requiring work assignments to be clearly defined and expected to last the duration of employment. It mandates prioritization of H-1B petitions based on compensation levels, with higher compensation petitions receiving priority in adjudication.

What does HEALTH CARE PERSONNEL EXEMPTION. of PROTECT Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to create an exemption from certain fees and surcharges for H-1B visa petitions filed on behalf of health care workers. To be eligible for the exemption, a petitioner must demonstrate a good faith effort to recruit and hire a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident for the position. The Secretary of Homeland Security will establish standards and procedures for submitting documentation to demonstrate compliance with recruitment requirements. A 'health care worker' for the purposes of this section is an H-1B worker employed as a physician, registered nurse, or other direct patient care professional in a health care facility. The Secretary of Homeland Security retains the authority to establish additional exemptions or define categories through guidance.

What does EFFECTIVE DATE. of PROTECT Act of 2026 do?

This Act becomes effective upon enactment. The Act applies to H-1B visa petitions filed on or after the date of enactment.

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PROTECT Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/16/2026 · Introduced: 4/16/2026

Author: Mike Kennedy (R-UT)

TL;DR (AI)

The PROTECT Act of 2026 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require a minimum annual wage of $100,000 (adjusted for inflation) or the prevailing wage for similar U.S. workers for H-1B visa petitions.
The bill establishes an exemption from certain fees for H-1B petitions filed on behalf of healthcare workers, contingent on demonstrating a good-faith effort to hire U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
H-1B petitions will be prioritized based on compensation levels, and limitations are placed on H-1B visa validity and issuance when work is performed at a third-party worksite.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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