Texas Gov. Abbott Freezes H-1B Visa Petitions at State Agencies and Universities

The move aims to provide time for state lawmakers to create 'guardrails' for the H-1B program and for the federal government to implement reforms.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 2:23pm

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed all public universities and state agencies in the state to freeze new H-1B visa applications until the next legislative session ends in 2027. Abbott said the freeze will allow time for state lawmakers to create new rules around the H-1B program and for the federal government to implement reforms. The governor has expressed concerns that the H-1B program has been used to fill jobs that could be done by Texans.

Why it matters

The H-1B visa program has faced increasing scrutiny from state and federal leaders who believe the program has been misused by some employers to hire foreign workers instead of making 'good-faith efforts' to recruit U.S. workers. Abbott's directive aims to address these concerns and reshape the H-1B program in Texas.

The details

Under Abbott's directive, public universities and state agencies in Texas cannot initiate or file for new H-1B visas until May 31, 2027 without written permission from the Texas Workforce Commission. Abbott said the freeze will provide time for state lawmakers to create 'guardrails' for the H-1B program and for the federal government to implement its reforms. The Trump administration has also sought to transform the H-1B visa program, including a $100,000 fee for new petitioners and a new weighted system for awarding visas that prioritizes workers with higher pay and skills.

  • On January 27, 2026, Governor Greg Abbott issued the directive to freeze new H-1B visa applications.
  • The freeze will remain in effect until May 31, 2027, when the next legislative session ends.

The players

Gov. Greg Abbott

The governor of Texas who issued the directive to freeze new H-1B visa applications at public universities and state agencies in the state.

Texas Workforce Commission

The state agency that will need to provide written permission for public universities and state agencies to initiate or file for new H-1B visas during the freeze period.

Trump administration

The previous federal administration that sought to transform the H-1B visa program, including a $100,000 fee for new petitioners and a new weighted system for awarding visas.

Dallas ISD

One of the biggest sponsors of H-1B visas among public school districts in the U.S., with 230 H-1B visa holders as of September 2025.

UT Southwestern Medical Center

The second largest education sponsor of H-1B visas in Texas, with 228 H-1B visa holders.

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What they’re saying

“Rather than serving its intended purpose of attracting the best and brightest individuals from around the world to our nation to fill truly specialized and unmet labor needs, the program has too often been used to fill jobs that otherwise could — and should — have been filled by Texans.”

— Gov. Greg Abbott (Dallas Morning News)

“I don't see any reason why H-1B visa holders would need to work in Texas public schools, although I acknowledge some may have special skill sets.”

— Gov. Greg Abbott (Dallas Morning News)

What’s next

The Texas Workforce Commission will need to provide written permission for public universities and state agencies to initiate or file for new H-1B visas during the freeze period.

The takeaway

Governor Abbott's directive to freeze new H-1B visa applications at Texas public universities and state agencies reflects growing concerns among state and federal leaders about the potential misuse of the H-1B program. The move aims to give state lawmakers time to create new rules and for the federal government to implement reforms, with the goal of ensuring the program is serving its intended purpose of attracting the 'best and brightest' talent to fill specialized labor needs.