In September 2026, a bill was submitted to the Senate that proposes to abolish the Greencard lottery and a number of employment-based visa categories. Instead, a unified points system is proposed: a person earns points for salary, education, English proficiency, age and other criteria, and if a minimum of 16 points is scored, they can move to the USA and obtain a green card.

What the new bill proposes

The draft law provides for three major changes. First — abolition of the Greencard lottery. Second — elimination of employment-based immigrant visa categories EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 and EB-5, which were based on professional achievements and investments. Third — introduction of a unified points system, where people earn points for various skills and achievements. Based on the total points scored, a decision will be made on the possibility of moving to the USA.

The new program strikes a middle ground between employment visas and a lottery: from the former, it retains the evaluation of specific skills; from the latter, it retains open access for all those wishing to move.

How points are calculated: six criteria

To move under the new program, you need to score a minimum of 16 points across six criteria:

  1. Proposed salary in the USA — points depend on the size of the salary.
  2. Outstanding professional achievements — for example, awards, industry recognition.
  3. Education — points for higher and additional education.
  4. English language proficiency — level of proficiency.
  5. Military service — points for service in the USA.
  6. Age — maximum points are given to people aged 18 to 35.

Application requirements

Not everyone can apply under this program. Four mandatory criteria are established:

Age from 18 to 51 years — this is the range within which applications are considered. English language proficiency at or above intermediate level is required. Having a job offer from the USA — this is a key condition. You need to demonstrate that an American employer is ready to hire you and pay a salary not lower than the level set by the state.

Although salary requirements will not necessarily be at the level of US citizens, a minimum threshold will be set. Even for lower positions, a certain salary is provided to ensure a living wage.

Office building with an employer sign in the business district of an American city

Likelihood of the bill passing

The chances of the bill passing depend on the election results. If Republicans retain a majority in Congress, the program has real chances of approval. This is related to the administration’s position on migration: the focus is on attracting people with good professional skills, a high level of language proficiency and a firm intention to work, rather than claim government benefits.

If Republicans lose Congress, quick passage should not be expected.