Your status says Submitted. Here is what the data actually shows, what to expect, and what to do next.
If you are a Level 1 wage applicant in the FY2027 H-1B lottery and your status still says Submitted on March 27, 2026, you are not alone. The wage-weighted lottery gives Level 1 applicants a 15% selection rate — the lowest tier — but selections are NOT over. USCIS is releasing results in staggered batches, and Level 1 applicants ARE appearing in selections right now. This page breaks down the real data, your actual odds, and concrete backup plans.
Level 1 applicants have a 15% selection rate in the FY2027 wage-weighted lottery. Selections are NOT released all at once — USCIS is staggering releases through March 31 and possibly into early April. Attorney tracking data confirms Level 1 applicants ARE being selected in mixed-wage batches. Do not withdraw your registration yet.
| Wage Level | Selection Rate | Typical Salary Range | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 4 | 62% | $150K+ | Most selected |
| Level 3 | 46% | $100K–$150K | Strong odds |
| Level 2 | 31% | $75K–$100K | Moderate odds |
| Level 1 | 15% | $50K–$75K | Lowest odds |
The FY2027 lottery closed on March 19, 2026 with approximately 343,981 registrations — down 27% from the prior year. Overall selection odds are 35.3%, but the wage-weighted system introduced in FY2026 means your odds depend heavily on your prevailing wage level. Level 1 applicants face a 15% selection rate, meaning roughly 1 in 7 Level 1 registrations will be selected.
Critically, USCIS is NOT selecting all Level 4 applicants first and then moving down. Attorney tracking data from multiple immigration firms shows that selections are being released in mixed batches — all four wage levels appearing simultaneously in each release wave. The staggered release pattern means your status can change from Submitted to Selected at any point through March 31 and potentially into the first week of April.
The emotional toll of refreshing the portal every hour is real. But the math is clear: if you are Level 1, you have a roughly 85% chance of NOT being selected. That is why backup planning is essential — not because hope is lost, but because responsible preparation protects your immigration status regardless of outcome.
See the FAQ section below.
Universities, nonprofits, and research institutions can sponsor H-1B visas year-round — no lottery required.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →No. USCIS releases selections in staggered batches through March 31 and possibly into early April. Level 1 applicants have a 15% selection rate, and attorney tracking data confirms Level 1 selections ARE happening in mixed-wage batches. Your status can still change.
Yes. Despite having the lowest selection rate at 15%, Level 1 applicants are being selected. USCIS is not releasing results in strict wage-level order — all four levels are appearing in each batch of selections. The 15% rate means roughly 1 in 7 Level 1 registrations will be chosen.
Key backup options include: applying for OPT STEM extension if eligible (24 additional months), targeting cap-exempt employers like universities and nonprofit research institutions, exploring Day-1 CPT programs at SEVP-certified schools, or negotiating a salary increase to qualify at Level 2 or higher for next year's lottery with 31% odds.
If your status still shows Submitted after April 7, 2026, it is very unlikely you will be selected in the initial round. However, a second selection round may occur if insufficient selected candidates file petitions by the June 30 deadline. Start preparing backup plans now, but do not withdraw your registration.