Texas to halt new H-1B visa petitions at state agencies, public universities

Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday ordered an investigation into the H-1B visa programme in the state and directed state agencies and public universities to suspend filing new visa petitions. The freeze will remain in place until May 31, 2027, with limited exceptions.

In a letter to state agencies, as reported by Reuters, Abbott said the decision follows reports of misuse of the federal H-1B visa programme and comes as the federal government reviews the scheme.

“In light of recent reports of abuse in the federal H-1B visa program, and amid the federal government's ongoing review of that program to ensure American jobs are going to American workers, I am directing all state agencies to immediately freeze new H-1B visa petitions,” he said.

Agencies asked to submit visa data

According to the Reuters report, Abbott said exceptions to the freeze will be allowed only with written approval from the Texas Workforce Commission. He also directed agencies to submit a detailed report by March 27, 2026, outlining the number of new and renewal H-1B petitions filed last year, the number of visa holders sponsored, and their countries of origin and job roles.

The move comes as other states review similar measures. Florida’s Board of Governors, which oversees the state’s public university system, is seeking to pause H-1B visas for public universities until January 5, 2027.

The H-1B visa programme allows highly skilled foreign professionals, mainly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics roles, to work in the US. The programme issues 65,000 visas each year, along with an additional 20,000 for workers with advanced degrees, typically approved for three to six years.

Last year, President Donald Trump imposed a one-time $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applicants as part of his immigration agenda during his second term. The move was challenged by more than 20 states, though Texas did not join the lawsuit. The Trump administration has said the programme has been misused by some employers to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labour.