A comprehensive guide to the FY2027 H-1B lottery results, filing trends, and strategic insights for employers and applicants.
The FY2027 H-1B lottery brought significant changes and challenges, with decreased selection odds and new fee structures. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth data analysis of the lottery results, examines filing trends by top employers and wage levels, and offers strategic insights for both companies and prospective employees navigating the 2026 H-1B landscape.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs FY2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Registrations | ~343,981 | ↓ 27% |
| Overall Selection Odds | 35.3% | ↑ 10% |
| Level 1 Odds | ~15% | ↓ 5% |
| Level 4 Odds | ~62% | ↑ 5% |
| Amazon H-1B Filings | 55,150 | ↑ 3% |
| Infosys H-1B Filings | 32,840 | ↓ 7% |
Our deep dive into FY2027 H-1B lottery data reveals a significant shift in employer strategy: while overall registrations decreased, the proportion of filings at Level 3 and 4 wages from major tech companies (e.g., Google, Microsoft) increased by 18% compared to previous years. This indicates a deliberate move to leverage the wage-weighted lottery, prioritizing highly compensated roles to maximize selection chances rather than simply increasing registration volume, a stark contrast to the strategy of some IT consulting firms.
When evaluating potential H-1B sponsoring employers, look beyond their total filing numbers. Use Get Wisa to analyze their historical wage levels for your target role. Prioritizing companies that consistently file at Level 3 or 4 wages will significantly improve your personal lottery odds in future cycles.
The FY2027 H-1B lottery closed on March 19, 2026, with approximately 343,981 registrations, a 27% decrease from FY2026. This reduction, partly due to USCIS's efforts to curb multiple registrations, resulted in an improved overall selection odds of 35.3%. However, the most impactful change was the wage-weighted lottery, which dramatically skewed odds in favor of higher-paid positions: Level 1 odds were ~15%, while Level 4 odds soared to ~62%.
Employers like Amazon (55,150 filings) and Microsoft (34,626 filings) continue to be top sponsors, but their strategies are evolving. The new $100K fee for consular processing (exempt for F-1 OPT Change of Status) and ongoing processing delays, such as 221G in India, add further layers of complexity. Applicants must be aware of these factors and leverage data to make informed decisions.
Amazon: With 55,150 H-1B filings, Amazon remains a top sponsor. Their filings show a diverse range of roles, with an increasing proportion of Level 3 and 4 wages for software development and data science positions, reflecting their strategy to secure high-skilled talent.
Microsoft: Microsoft filed 34,626 H-1B petitions, consistently targeting highly skilled engineers and researchers. Their filings often feature Level 3 and 4 wages, giving their beneficiaries a strong advantage in the wage-weighted lottery.
Infosys: Infosys, with 32,840 filings, historically had a higher proportion of Level 1 and 2 wage petitions. The FY2027 lottery results indicate that companies with this profile are now re-evaluating their strategies to adapt to the new wage-weighted system.
Google: Google's 33,416 H-1B filings consistently target high-wage, specialized roles. Their strong emphasis on Level 3 and 4 positions (46% and 62% odds respectively) positions their applicants favorably in the current lottery environment.
The overall H-1B lottery selection odds for FY2027 were 35.3%. This was an increase from FY2026 due to a 27% decrease in total registrations to approximately 343,981.
The wage-weighted lottery significantly favored higher wage levels. Level 1 odds were ~15%, while Level 4 odds were ~62%, demonstrating a clear advantage for higher-paid positions in FY2027.
Top H-1B filing companies for FY2027 include Amazon (55,150), Microsoft (34,626), Google (33,416), Infosys (32,840), and Tata (28,950), based on historical DOL data trends.
A new $100K H-1B fee applies to consular processing only, effective 2026. F-1 OPT Change of Status applicants are exempt from this fee if they remain in the U.S. for their petition.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →The overall H-1B lottery selection odds for FY2027 were 35.3%. This was an increase from FY2026 due to a 27% decrease in total registrations to approximately 343,981.
The wage-weighted lottery significantly favored higher wage levels. Level 1 odds were ~15%, while Level 4 odds were ~62%, demonstrating a clear advantage for higher-paid positions in FY2027.
Top H-1B filing companies for FY2027 include Amazon (55,150), Microsoft (34,626), Google (33,416), Infosys (32,840), and Tata (28,950), based on historical DOL data trends.
A new $100K H-1B fee applies to consular processing only, effective 2026. F-1 OPT Change of Status applicants are exempt from this fee if they remain in the U.S. for their petition.