Governor Greg Abbott has announced he will call for legislation banning H-1B workers in Texas public schools. Simultaneously, Abbott directed all public universities and state agencies to freeze new H-1B visa applications, effective immediately through May 31, 2027, without written permission from the Texas Workforce Commission.
What changed
Public universities and state agencies may not initiate or file new H-1B visa petitions without written permission from the Texas Workforce Commission through the end of the next legislative session on May 31, 2027. Abbott also ordered agencies and higher education institutions to submit detailed reports, including 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 and visa expiration dates. Agencies and universities must provide documentation showing they made an effort to give qualified Texans a reasonable opportunity to apply for positions filled by H-1B visa holders.
Abbott separately said he would be calling for legislation that will put a total ban on H-1B workers in public schools. The Texas Legislature is next scheduled to convene in 2027.
Why it matters
If you represent a Texas state agency or public university with active or planned H-1B sponsorships, the freeze creates immediate filing constraints. You cannot file new petitions without prior written approval from TWC, and your institution must submit a detailed compliance report by March 27 detailing H-1B head counts, recent filings, job classifications, visa timelines and efforts to recruit Texas-based candidates.
H-1B employees make up a small share of the overall workforce in Texas, both at higher education institutions and corporations, but the jobs they fill are remarkably specialized and difficult to source in the U.S. The freeze could disrupt hiring at state agencies and public universities, particularly in education, medicine and research.
The freeze is scheduled to expire May 31, 2027—after the next regular legislative session ends. Abbott said the freeze will give lawmakers time to establish statutory guardrails for employment under the visa program.
Way forward
- Audit your H-1B roster now. Gather the data Abbott’s directive requires (visa dates, job titles, countries of origin, recruitment efforts) and prepare your report for the March 27 deadline.
- Obtain written TWC approval before filing. If you need to file a new H-1B petition, contact the Texas Workforce Commission to request written permission. Do not assume exemptions apply to your agency or institution.
- Plan around the freeze timeline. If your visa needs extend beyond May 31, 2027, begin contingency planning now (remote work, alternative staffing, candidate pipelines) in case the freeze is extended or legislation restricts H-1B use further.
- Monitor the 2027 legislature. Watch for bills implementing Abbott’s proposed public school ban and any statutory guardrails. The school ban would not apply to universities or state agencies, but legislative language could expand the freeze or add new compliance burdens.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Fola is a software company, not a law firm. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for advice from a licensed immigration attorney licensed to practice in Texas. Verify all information against the primary source linked above. Immigration and employment visa policy can change without notice, and specific circumstances may affect how these rules apply to your situation.