Understand your chances in the FY2027 H-1B lottery for positions based in Illinois.
Navigating the H-1B lottery is a primary concern for many professionals targeting jobs in Illinois. Get Wisa breaks down the FY2027 lottery statistics, including overall selection odds and how wage levels influence your chances, providing crucial data for your job search strategy.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Lottery Registrations | ~343,981 | ↓ 27% |
| FY2027 Overall Selection Odds | 35.3% | ↑ 5% |
| FY2027 Level 1 Odds | ~15% | ↓ 3% |
| FY2027 Level 2 Odds | ~31% | ↓ 2% |
| FY2027 Level 3 Odds | ~46% | ↑ 4% |
| FY2027 Level 4 Odds | ~62% | ↑ 6% |
While the H-1B lottery is a national process, job location in Illinois can indirectly influence your odds. Roles in high-demand sectors within Illinois, like tech in Chicago, often command higher salaries, placing them in higher wage-weighted categories (Level 3 & 4). This means that targeting positions in Illinois that align with these higher wage brackets can significantly improve your lottery selection probability compared to lower-paying roles.
When searching for H-1B sponsorship in Illinois, focus on roles that align with higher prevailing wage levels. Use Get Wisa to identify companies that consistently file for positions with higher salaries, as these are more likely to fall into the higher lottery odds categories (Level 3 & 4).
The H-1B lottery for FY2027 saw a decrease in total registrations to approximately 343,981, resulting in improved overall selection odds of 35.3%. For individuals targeting jobs in Illinois, understanding the wage-weighted nature of the lottery is paramount. Higher salary offerings, common in specialized roles within Illinois's tech and finance sectors, directly translate to better odds, with Level 4 wage filings seeing around 62% selection probability.
While the lottery is national, the types of jobs available and their associated salaries in Illinois can influence your effective odds. The introduction of the new Form I-129 in April 2026, with its expanded social media vetting, adds another layer to the process. It's crucial for both applicants and sponsors in Illinois to be aware of these changes and to leverage data from sources like Get Wisa to identify employers with a strong sponsorship history.
Amazon: With 55,150 H-1B filings in 2026, Amazon is a major sponsor that likely offers roles across various wage levels in Illinois, impacting lottery odds for many.
Microsoft: Filed 34,626 H-1B petitions in 2026. Microsoft's consistent sponsorship and competitive salaries for tech roles in Illinois position them as a key sponsor for higher wage levels.
Google: Recorded 33,416 H-1B filings in 2026. Google's presence in Illinois and focus on high-skilled roles means their H-1B filings often fall into higher wage categories, benefiting from better lottery odds.
Q: What were the overall H-1B lottery odds for Illinois jobs in 2026?
A: The overall FY2027 H-1B lottery selection odds were 35.3%. For Illinois jobs, higher wage levels generally correlated with better odds.
Q: How do wage levels affect H-1B lottery odds for Illinois positions?
A: Higher wage levels (Level 3 & 4) significantly increase your odds. For example, Level 4 filings had approximately 62% selection odds in the FY2027 lottery.
Q: Did the number of H-1B registrations for 2026 impact lottery odds for Illinois jobs?
A: Yes, the decrease in total registrations to ~343,981 for FY2027 led to improved overall odds compared to previous years for all applicants, including those targeting Illinois.
Q: How does the new Form I-129 affect H-1B lottery odds for Illinois jobs?
A: The new I-129 form (mandatory April 2026) impacts the application process and vetting, but does not directly change the lottery selection odds themselves, which are based on registration and wage levels.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →The overall FY2027 H-1B lottery selection odds were 35.3%. For Illinois jobs, higher wage levels generally correlated with better odds.
Higher wage levels (Level 3 & 4) significantly increase your odds. For example, Level 4 filings had approximately 62% selection odds in the FY2027 lottery.
Yes, the decrease in total registrations to ~343,981 for FY2027 led to improved overall odds compared to previous years for all applicants, including those targeting Illinois.
The new I-129 form (mandatory April 2026) impacts the application process and vetting, but does not directly change the lottery selection odds themselves, which are based on registration and wage levels.