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:
- Proposed salary in the USA — points depend on the size of the salary.
- Outstanding professional achievements — for example, awards, industry recognition.
- Education — points for higher and additional education.
- English language proficiency — level of proficiency.
- Military service — points for service in the USA.
- 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.
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.
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