A deep dive into the FY2027 H-1B lottery results, focusing on how wage levels influence selection probabilities.
The H-1B lottery is a critical hurdle for many international professionals. Get Wisa analyzes the FY2027 lottery data, providing a clear explanation of wage-weighted selection odds and how they impact your chances of securing an H-1B visa.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Lottery Close Date | March 19, 2026 | N/A |
| FY2027 Total Registrations | ~343,981 | ↓ 27% |
| FY2027 Overall Selection Odds | 35.3% | N/A |
| FY2027 Level 1 Odds | ~15% | N/A |
| FY2027 Level 2 Odds | ~31% | N/A |
| FY2027 Level 3 Odds | ~46% | N/A |
| FY2027 Level 4 Odds | ~62% | N/A |
The wage-weighted nature of the H-1B lottery is a critical factor often misunderstood. Our analysis of 2026 DOL data shows a clear correlation: employers offering salaries that fall into the higher wage levels (Level 3 and 4) have substantially better selection odds compared to those offering Level 1 wages.
When evaluating H-1B job offers, pay close attention to the offered salary. Use Get Wisa to check the LCA data and determine the wage level. Higher wage levels directly translate to better lottery odds, a crucial factor for maximizing your chances.
The FY2027 H-1B lottery saw a 27% decrease in registrations compared to the previous year, resulting in overall selection odds of 35.3%. However, the lottery's design heavily favors higher wage levels. For instance, the odds for Level 1 wages were approximately 15%, while Level 4 wages saw odds as high as 62%. This wage-weighting system means that employers offering more competitive salaries have a significantly higher chance of their petitions being selected.
The introduction of the new Form I-129 in April 2026 standardizes the petition process but does not alter the wage-weighted mechanism of the lottery. Understanding these odds is crucial for both applicants and employers aiming to navigate the H-1B selection process successfully.
Major companies like Amazon (55,150 H-1B filings in 2026), Microsoft (34,626), and Google (33,416) are consistently among the top sponsors. These companies often offer a wide range of salaries, meaning their petitions can fall into various wage levels. Analyzing their filings on Get Wisa can reveal how they leverage higher wage offerings to improve their H-1B lottery selection chances.
Q: What are the H-1B lottery odds by wage level for FY2027?
A: FY2027 H-1B lottery odds varied: Level 1 (~15%), Level 2 (~31%), Level 3 (~46%), and Level 4 (~62%). Higher wage levels significantly increase selection probability.
Q: How does the H-1B lottery being wage-weighted affect applicants?
A: It means employers offering higher salaries have a greater chance of their H-1B petitions being selected. Applicants should prioritize roles with competitive compensation to improve their odds.
Q: Did the number of H-1B registrations decrease for FY2027?
A: Yes, total registrations for the FY2027 H-1B lottery decreased by 27% from FY2026, totaling approximately 343,981.
Q: How can I find employers offering higher H-1B wages?
A: Use Get Wisa to search for H-1B sponsors and filter by wage level. This helps identify companies that offer salaries corresponding to higher lottery odds.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →FY2027 H-1B lottery odds varied: Level 1 (~15%), Level 2 (~31%), Level 3 (~46%), and Level 4 (~62%). Higher wage levels significantly increase selection probability.
It means employers offering higher salaries have a greater chance of their H-1B petitions being selected. Applicants should prioritize roles with competitive compensation to improve their odds.
Yes, total registrations for the FY2027 H-1B lottery decreased by 27% from FY2026, totaling approximately 343,981.
Use Get Wisa to search for H-1B sponsors and filter by wage level. This helps identify companies that offer salaries corresponding to higher lottery odds.