A deep dive into the FY2027 H-1B lottery results, revealing the stark differences in selection odds across wage levels and their implications.
The FY2027 H-1B lottery, which closed on March 19, 2026, brought a new reality for applicants, with selection odds heavily weighted by wage level. Get Wisa provides an in-depth analysis of these outcomes, explaining why Level 1 applicants faced significantly lower chances and what this means for future H-1B strategies.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Lottery Closed | March 19, 2026 | N/A |
| Total Registrations | ~343,981 | ↓ 27% from FY2026 |
| Overall Selection Odds | 35.3% | ↑ Higher |
| Level 1 Odds | ~15% | ↓ Lower |
| Level 2 Odds | ~31% | ↓ Lower |
| Level 3 Odds | ~46% | ↑ Higher |
| Level 4 Odds | ~62% | ↑ Higher |
Our data indicates that the significant drop in total registrations (down 27% from FY2026) combined with the wage-weighted system suggests a market correction, where employers are more selectively filing for higher-skilled, higher-paid positions, rather than simply maximizing entries.
For future H-1B lotteries, applicants should strategically target roles that align with Level 3 or 4 prevailing wages. Employers should also consider offering competitive salaries to enhance their candidates' lottery selection chances, reflecting true market value.
The FY2027 H-1B lottery, which concluded on March 19, 2026, provided a stark illustration of the wage-weighted selection system's impact. With overall selection odds at 35.3%, the disparity across wage levels was significant: Level 1 applicants faced odds of ~15%, while Level 4 applicants saw their chances rise to ~62%. This data underscores USCIS's clear intent to prioritize higher-skilled, higher-paid positions.
The total registrations were ~343,981, a notable 27% decrease from FY2026, suggesting that the new system may be deterring speculative filings. For international professionals, this means a strategic shift is necessary. Focusing on roles that command higher prevailing wages and demonstrating advanced skills will be crucial for improving lottery chances in future cycles. The mandatory New Form I-129, effective April 2026, also plays a role in this enhanced scrutiny.
Google (Mountain View, CA): A software engineer at Google (33,416 H-1B filings) applying for a Level 4 position would have significantly higher lottery odds (~62%) compared to an entry-level Level 1 role.
Infosys (Plano, TX): For a Level 1 IT consultant at Infosys (32,840 filings), the FY2027 lottery odds (~15%) highlight the challenge for entry-level positions under the wage-weighted system.
Amazon (Seattle, WA): An experienced data scientist at Amazon (55,150 filings) securing a Level 3 or 4 wage would have benefited from the increased selection odds (~46-62%) in the FY2027 lottery, reflecting their higher skill level.
FY2027 H-1B lottery odds varied significantly: Level 1 was ~15%, Level 2 ~31%, Level 3 ~46%, and Level 4 ~62%. This reflects the wage-weighted selection system's impact.
The wage-weighted system prioritizes higher-paid positions, giving applicants with Level 3 or 4 prevailing wages significantly better chances of selection compared to those at Level 1 or 2.
Level 1 H-1B odds were low (~15%) due to the wage-weighted lottery system, which aims to select beneficiaries in higher-skilled and higher-paying roles, reducing chances for entry-level positions.
Future implications include a continued focus on higher-skilled talent, potentially fewer overall registrations, and increased pressure on employers to offer competitive wages to enhance their candidates' lottery chances.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →FY2027 H-1B lottery odds varied significantly: Level 1 was ~15%, Level 2 ~31%, Level 3 ~46%, and Level 4 ~62%. This reflects the wage-weighted selection system's impact.
The wage-weighted system prioritizes higher-paid positions, giving applicants with Level 3 or 4 prevailing wages significantly better chances of selection compared to those at Level 1 or 2.
Level 1 H-1B odds were low (~15%) due to the wage-weighted lottery system, which aims to select beneficiaries in higher-skilled and higher-paying roles, reducing chances for entry-level positions.
Future implications include a continued focus on higher-skilled talent, potentially fewer overall registrations, and increased pressure on employers to offer competitive wages to enhance their candidates' lottery chances.