H-1B Freezes: What the New State Restrictions in Texas and Florida Mean for You

📢 Alert: If you're an international researcher, professor, or skilled professional considering employment at a public university or state agency in Texas or Florida, you need to read this carefully. Two of the largest states in the country have moved to restrict H-1B visa sponsorships, and the implications are significant.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered an immediate freeze on new H-1B visa petitions by state agencies and public universities through May 31, 2027. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has directed his state's public university system to curb its H-1B visa use, with the Board of Governors considering a proposal to pause new hires through early 2027.

These actions represent a major shift in how some states are approaching work visas and international talent recruitment. Here's what you need to know.

What Exactly Did Texas Do?

Under Governor Abbott's directive, Texas state agencies and public institutions of higher education cannot file new H-1B visa petitions without first obtaining written permission from the Texas Workforce Commission. This freeze is already in effect and will remain in place through May 31, 2027.

The Governor's office cited concerns about alleged abuse of the federal visa program and emphasized a commitment to prioritizing jobs for Texas workers.

But there's more. State institutions must also submit detailed reports to the Texas Workforce Commission by March 27, 2026, including:

• The number of new and renewed H-1B petitions filed in 2025
• The number of current H-1B visa holders they sponsor
• Workers' countries of origin and job classifications
• Visa expiration dates
• Documentation of recruitment efforts for qualified Texas residents

This reporting requirement signals that the state is taking a hard look at how public institutions have been using the H-1B program, and may use this data to inform future policy decisions.

What About Florida?

Florida is moving in a similar direction. Governor DeSantis has directed the state's public university system to curb its H-1B visa use, arguing that universities have been misusing the program. The Florida Board of Governors is now considering a proposal to pause new H-1B visa hires through early 2027.

While Florida's action isn't as formalized as Texas's executive order yet, the direction is clear. If you're considering a position at a Florida public university and would require H-1B sponsorship, you should treat this as a serious obstacle to your immigration strategy.

Who Is Affected by These Freezes?

Let's be specific about who these restrictions impact:

Directly affected:

• International faculty seeking new positions at Texas or Florida public universities
• Researchers hoping to join state-funded research institutions
• Medical professionals looking at roles in university hospital systems
• Skilled workers applying to Texas state agencies
• Anyone who would need a new H-1B petition filed by these institutions

Not directly affected (for now):

• Current H-1B visa holders already employed at these institutions
• Workers whose H-1B petitions were filed before the freeze
• Employees at private universities and private employers in these states
• Those working at federal institutions located in Texas or Florida

Here's the critical point: the freeze does not automatically remove current H-1B visa holders from their positions. If you're already working at a Texas state agency or public university on an H-1B, your status remains intact, at least until your visa requires renewal or extension.

However, if your H-1B is set to expire and you need your employer to file for an extension, you may face complications. The language around "new" petitions versus renewals isn't entirely clear, and institutions will likely need guidance from the Texas Workforce Commission on how to proceed.

Why Are Some States Doing This Now?

These state-level actions align with broader federal immigration policy shifts. In September 2025, the Trump administration issued a proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on certain new H-1B visa petitions, a move that colleges and universities have said would be detrimental to recruiting international talent.

The combination of federal fee increases and state-level freezes creates a challenging environment for institutions that rely on international expertise. Higher education advocates have warned that restricting universities' hiring ability could weaken innovation pipelines and have long-term economic consequences.

Regardless of where you stand on the policy debate, the practical reality is clear: if your immigration strategy depends on employment at a Texas or Florida public institution, you need to adapt.

The Bigger Picture

Texas and Florida are among the largest states in the country, home to major research universities, medical centers, and state agencies that have historically relied on international talent. These freezes don't exist in a vacuum, they're part of a broader national conversation about H-1B visas, work visas generally, and who gets access to American job opportunities.

For employers, these restrictions create real challenges in filling specialized roles. For international professionals, they add another layer of uncertainty to an already complex system.

We'll continue to monitor developments in both states and provide updates as the situation evolves.

What Should You Do Next?

If these changes affect your plans, don't wait to take action. The landscape is shifting quickly, and your immigration strategy needs to reflect current realities, not assumptions based on how things worked a year ago.

Have questions about how these state-level restrictions impact your specific situation? Every case is different, and the right path forward depends on your credentials, your target employers, and your long-term goals.

Schedule a consultation with Badmus & Associates to discuss your options and build an immigration strategy that accounts for new restrictions.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific. For guidance on your individual situation, please consult with a qualified immigration attorney.