Texas Freezes H-1B Visa Applications at State Institutions
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered an immediate freeze on new H-1B visa petitions for state agencies and public universities. The freeze, which began on January 27, 2026, will remain in effect through May 31, 2027, the end of the next legislative session.
The directive requires state agencies and public higher education institutions to halt the initiation or filing of new H-1B petitions without written permission from the Texas Workforce Commission.
Purpose of the Freeze
Abbott stated the freeze aims to prioritize Texas workers for jobs funded by taxpayer dollars. He said the freeze will allow time for the Texas Legislature to establish statutory guidelines for employment practices regarding federal visa holders in state government. Abbott also stated it would allow Congress to modify federal law and allow program reforms to be implemented.
In a letter to agency heads, Abbott cited concerns about abuse of the federal H-1B visa program. He stated the program has been used to fill jobs that could and should be filled by Texans.
Requirements for State Agencies and Universities
The order requires institutions to submit detailed reports to the Texas Workforce Commission by March 2026. These reports must include:
- The number of new or renewed H-1B visa petitions filed in 2025
- The number of H-1B visa holders currently sponsored
- Job titles
- Countries of origin
- Visa expiration dates
- Documentation showing they made an effort to give qualified Texans a reasonable opportunity to apply for positions filled by H-1B visa holders.
Potential Impacts
The H-1B visa allows institutions to hire foreign professionals for specialty occupations. Representative Ramon Romero Jr., Chairman of the Texas Mexican American Legislative Caucus, said freezing these pathways could make it harder to staff classrooms, research centers, and hospitals, raising costs and straining public services.
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas has the most H-1B visa holders in the state, with 228, according to September data from U.S. Citizen & Immigration Services.
Exemptions
The Texas Workforce Commission can grant exemptions during the freeze.
Scope of the Freeze
The freeze only applies to state agencies and public universities. Agencies led by elected officials and private companies are not affected.
Conclusion
Governor Abbott has ordered a freeze on new H-1B visa applications for Texas state agencies and public universities until May 31, 2027. The aim is to prioritize Texas workers and address potential program abuse. The freeze requires detailed reporting from institutions and allows for exemptions through the Texas Workforce Commission.
