A Republican senator has introduced a bill in the US Senate seeking to suspend the H-1B visa programme for three years while overhauling the system for hiring foreign skilled workers.

The proposed legislation, introduced by Montana Senator Tim Sheehy, would also require congressional approval to permanently impose a $100,000 application fee for H-1B petitions, a measure previously proposed by President Donald Trump but struck down by a federal court.

Named the “End H-1B Abuse Act,” the bill argues that the visa programme was originally designed to address shortages of highly skilled workers in the United States. Supporters contend that some employers have instead used it to hire lower-paid foreign workers, reducing job opportunities for American citizens.

“The H-1B programme was never intended to replace hardworking Americans with cheaper foreign labour,” Sheehy said, adding that the legislation aims to prevent abuse and prioritise US workers.

Under the proposal, no new H-1B visas would be issued for three years while the programme undergoes a comprehensive review. If reinstated, the visa system would operate under stricter eligibility requirements and tighter regulations than the current framework.

The bill also seeks to make the proposed $ 1000,000 application fee permanent through legislation. Trump’s administration introduced the fee in September last year, but a federal court later ruled that such a charge could not be imposed without congressional authorisation.

If enacted, the significantly higher fee would sharply increase the cost of hiring foreign professionals, potentially discouraging many employers from using the H-1B programme.

The legislation also proposes replacing the current lottery-based selection process with a wage-based system, giving priority to higher-paid positions.

Other key provisions include banning employment through third-party staffing agencies and restricting H-1B holders from working for multiple employers simultaneously.

In addition, the bill would eliminate the programme’s “dual intent” provision, which currently allows H-1B visa holders to apply for permanent residency (green cards) while working in the United States on a temporary visa. It also proposes limiting their ability to bring family members to the country.

The proposed legislation further targets international students by seeking to end the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme and revoke work authorisation for certain exchange visa holders. It would also prohibit US federal agencies from hiring non-immigrant visa holders.

The bill has received support from the Immigration Accountability Project and the Federation for American Immigration Reform, both of which argue that the H-1B programme has been widely misused and requires comprehensive reform.

The proposal must be approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives before it can be sent to the president for signature and become law.