American Tech Workforce Act of 2025

This legislation aims to reform the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program and explicitly terminates the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program . The OPT program, which previously allowed F-1 student visa holders to work in the United States after completing their studies, will no longer provide employment authorization. Consequently, any employment authorization for F-1 nonimmigrants will cease immediately upon the completion of their course of studies, and all pending OPT applications will be denied and refunded. The bill significantly amends H-1B nonimmigrant visa requirements by establishing a new, higher minimum wage. Employers must offer H-1B nonimmigrants an annual wage that is the greater of $150,000 (adjusted annually for inflation) or the wage paid to a comparable U.S. worker. Additionally, it imposes new restrictions on H-1B visas for work performed at third-party worksites , limiting such visas to a one-year validity and requiring specific, non-speculative assignments. To further reform the H-1B program, the bill mandates that petitions from employers be approved by prioritizing those offering higher compensation rates , irrespective of their filing order.