With wage-weighted selection, Level 1 wages give you roughly 15% lottery odds — here are your options to improve them
If you are a new graduate entering the FY2027 H-1B lottery at a Level 1 prevailing wage, your selection probability has dropped to approximately 15%. The wage-weighted lottery system that took effect February 27, 2026 assigns the fewest lottery entries to Level 1 workers. This page breaks down the math, shows you exactly what Level 1 means, and lays out every strategy available to improve your odds — from salary negotiation to cap-exempt alternatives.
Quick Answer: New graduates at Level 1 prevailing wages face approximately 15% selection odds in the FY2027 H-1B lottery — down from the previous ~25-30% flat rate. Key strategies: (1) negotiate a Level 2 salary to double your entries, (2) apply to cap-exempt employers to skip the lottery, (3) use STEM OPT for up to 3 lottery attempts, (4) consider O-1A or EB-2 NIW alternatives.
| Company | H-1B Filings | New Grad Wage Level | Lottery Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 55,150 | Level 2 (SDE I at $135K+) | ~2 entries |
| Microsoft | 34,626 | Level 2 (SDE at $130K+) | ~2 entries |
| 33,416 | Level 2-3 (L3 at $150K+) | ~2-3 entries | |
| Infosys | 32,840 | Level 1 ($70K-$85K) | ~1 entry |
| Tata Consultancy Services | 28,950 | Level 1 ($68K-$80K) | ~1 entry |
| Cognizant | 26,700 | Level 1 ($72K-$88K) | ~1 entry |
| Meta | 14,900 | Level 3 (E3 at $170K+) | ~3 entries |
| JPMorgan Chase | 12,400 | Level 2 ($110K+) | ~2 entries |
The DOL defines Level 1 as the 17th percentile wage for an occupation in a specific area. It is intended for entry-level workers who have a basic understanding of the occupation and perform routine tasks under close supervision. For a software developer in many metro areas, Level 1 is roughly $70,000-$90,000.
Under the old random lottery, wage level did not matter — every registration had equal odds. Under wage-weighted selection, a Level 1 registration gets approximately 1 lottery entry while Level 4 gets approximately 4. With 400,000+ registrations competing for 85,000 slots, this means Level 1 odds drop to roughly 15%, while Level 4 odds rise to roughly 62%.
This is the single biggest change to H-1B selection since the lottery was introduced. For new graduates, it means your choice of employer and salary has a direct, measurable impact on whether you can stay in the U.S.
The most impactful strategy is salary negotiation. If your employer can offer a salary at or above the Level 2 threshold, your lottery entries double. Many employers are unaware of the wage-level impact on lottery odds — presenting this data during offer negotiation can be persuasive. Other strategies include targeting cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofit research orgs), using STEM OPT to get up to 3 lottery attempts over 3 years, considering the O-1A visa for candidates with strong academic or professional records, and exploring EB-2 NIW self-petition for those with advanced degrees.
Search Wisa for H-1B sponsors that pay above Level 1 — even for entry-level roles.
Search Entry-Level H-1B Sponsors →Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →Approximately 15%. Under wage-weighted selection, Level 1 registrations receive the minimum number of lottery entries (~1x). With 400,000+ registrations for 85,000 slots, and higher-wage registrations receiving 2-4x entries, the effective selection rate for Level 1 drops to roughly 15%.
Yes, and this is the single most effective strategy available. The Level 2 threshold varies by occupation and location but is typically $15K-$25K above Level 1. Present the wage-weighted lottery math to your employer — many will agree that a modest salary increase is worth doubling your lottery odds and protecting their hiring investment.
Cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofit research organizations, government research entities) bypass the lottery entirely. If you can find a role at a cap-exempt employer, you avoid the wage-weighted lottery altogether. You can search for cap-exempt sponsors on Wisa. The trade-off is often lower salaries and more limited career growth compared to private industry.
STEM OPT provides up to 24 months of work authorization beyond the initial 12-month OPT, giving you up to 3 consecutive lottery attempts (years 1, 2, and 3 of OPT/STEM OPT). Strategic timing of your STEM OPT application can maximize your attempts. If not selected after 3 tries, you would need to leave the U.S. or find an alternative status.