Attorney data shows Level 1 selections appearing in mixed waves — 15% odds confirmed but selections not finished, what your status means right now
The biggest anxiety in the H-1B community on March 27, 2026 is whether Level 1 applicants are being selected at all. With the new wage-weighted lottery giving Level 1 just 15% odds compared to Level 4's 62%, many Level 1 candidates fear the system is effectively a Level 1 rejection machine. But early data from immigration attorneys and self-reported results paint a more nuanced picture: Level 1 selections ARE happening, just at dramatically lower rates.
Quick Answer: Yes, Level 1 applicants ARE being selected in the FY2027 lottery. Attorney aggregated data as of March 27 shows Level 1 selections appearing in every wave of results. The 15% selection rate means roughly 1 in 7 Level 1 registrants will be selected. If your status still shows "Submitted," it does NOT mean you were not selected — the portal is still updating. Level 1 candidates should also prepare backup plans given the 85% non-selection rate.
| Wage Level | Selection Rate | Est. Registrations | Est. Selected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 4 | 62% | ~35,000 | ~21,700 |
| Level 3 | 46% | ~72,000 | ~33,100 |
| Level 2 | 31% | ~118,000 | ~36,600 |
| Level 1 | 15% | ~119,000 | ~17,900 |
As of March 27, 2026, immigration attorneys are reporting Level 1 selections in every batch of results released so far. The pattern is clear: Level 4 and Level 3 candidates are being selected at much higher rates, but Level 1 is NOT being shut out. The 15% selection rate means approximately 17,900 Level 1 registrants will ultimately be selected out of an estimated 119,000 Level 1 registrations. That is nearly 18,000 people — a significant number, even if the odds feel low.
The confusion stems from several factors: (1) The portal is updating in waves, not all at once. Some Level 1 statuses are still showing "Submitted" as of March 27 — this does NOT mean non-selection. (2) Self-reported data on Reddit and immigration forums skews heavily toward Level 3 and Level 4 because those candidates are more likely to be selected and more likely to post about it. Level 1 selections are underrepresented in online discussion. (3) The psychological impact of knowing your odds are 15% creates confirmation bias — Level 1 candidates are primed to interpret ambiguity as rejection.
What Level 1 candidates should do RIGHT NOW: (1) Keep checking the myUSCIS portal daily — your status may not have updated yet. (2) Begin parallel backup planning even if you are still hoping for selection. The 85% non-selection rate means most Level 1 candidates will need alternatives. (3) Do NOT make irreversible decisions (quitting jobs, canceling leases, leaving the country) based on a "Submitted" status — wait for a definitive "Selected" or "Not Selected." (4) If you ARE selected, act quickly on petition preparation — the filing window opens April 1.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →No. 15% is roughly 1 in 7 — the same odds as rolling a specific number on a 7-sided die. Approximately 17,900 Level 1 registrants will be selected in FY2027. That's a real number of real people getting selected. However, the 85% non-selection rate means you MUST prepare backup plans simultaneously. Hope is not a strategy — prepare for both outcomes.
No. The myUSCIS portal updates in waves over 1-2 weeks. 'Submitted' simply means your status hasn't been updated yet. Both selected and not-selected registrations go through the update process. Do not assume anything until your status explicitly changes to 'Selected' or 'Not Selected.' Clear your cache, check in incognito mode, and be patient.
Yes. If you are not selected this year, one of the most impactful things you can do for FY2028 is find an employer that files at Level 3 or Level 4. This could mean: (1) negotiating a raise with your current employer to bump your wage level, (2) switching to a higher-paying company, (3) moving to a lower-cost MSA where the same salary reaches a higher level. The jump from 15% to 46% (Level 1 to Level 3) is transformative.
Yes. USCIS releases results in batches that include all wage levels. There is no separate Level 1 wave. Each batch contains a mix of all levels, weighted by the selection rates. If you see Level 4 candidates reporting selections while your Level 1 status hasn't updated, it's because more Level 4 candidates are selected overall — not because Level 1 is being processed separately or later.