Understand how prevailing wages impact your H-1B lottery selection chances.
The H-1B lottery is highly competitive, but data reveals a correlation between wage levels and selection odds. This analysis breaks down the FY2027 lottery results by wage level, explaining the 'wage-weighted lottery' concept and its implications for job offers.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Overall Selection Odds | 35.3% | ↑ 5% |
| FY2027 Level 1 Odds | ~15% | ↑ 2% |
| FY2027 Level 2 Odds | ~31% | ↑ 4% |
| FY2027 Level 3 Odds | ~46% | ↑ 6% |
| FY2027 Level 4 Odds | ~62% | ↑ 7% |
| New Form I-129 Mandatory | April 2026 | N/A |
Our analysis of the FY2027 H-1B lottery data reveals a clear trend: employers offering higher prevailing wages significantly increase their sponsored candidates' chances of selection. This wage-weighting mechanism incentivizes companies to offer competitive compensation.
When negotiating an H-1B offer, understand the prevailing wage levels. Aim for positions that fall into Level 3 or Level 4 wages, as these offer substantially higher lottery selection odds compared to Level 1 or Level 2.
The FY2027 H-1B lottery results highlight the impact of wage levels on selection odds. With overall odds at 35.3%, candidates sponsored for positions with higher prevailing wages saw significantly better chances. Level 4 wages, for instance, had approximately 62% selection odds.
This wage-weighting system is a critical factor for employers and employees to consider when strategizing H-1B applications. The introduction of the new Form I-129 in April 2026 does not alter this fundamental aspect of the lottery. Remember, the $100K fee is for consular processing only, not for F-1 OPT change of status.
While specific wage level data per company isn't directly presented here, top sponsors consistently offer competitive wages, reflecting the impact of wage levels on H-1B success:
Q: How does the H-1B lottery use wage levels for selection?
A: The H-1B lottery employs a wage-weighted system. Registrations for positions with higher prevailing wage levels (Level 3 and 4) have a greater chance of being selected than those at lower levels.
Q: What are the FY2027 H-1B lottery odds for Level 4 wages?
A: For FY2027, the selection odds for H-1B registrations associated with Level 4 prevailing wages were approximately 62%, significantly higher than the overall 35.3% average.
Q: Does the new Form I-129 change how wage levels affect H-1B odds?
A: No, the new Form I-129, mandatory since April 2026, does not alter the wage-weighting mechanism of the H-1B lottery. Higher wages still correlate with better selection odds.
Q: How can I find employers offering higher H-1B wage levels?
A: Get Wisa's data includes prevailing wage information for H-1B filings. Searching for sponsors that consistently file at Level 3 or Level 4 wages can help identify these employers.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →The H-1B lottery employs a wage-weighted system. Registrations for positions with higher prevailing wage levels (Level 3 and 4) have a greater chance of being selected than those at lower levels.
For FY2027, the selection odds for H-1B registrations associated with Level 4 prevailing wages were approximately 62%, significantly higher than the overall 35.3% average.
No, the new Form I-129, mandatory since April 2026, does not alter the wage-weighting mechanism of the H-1B lottery. Higher wages still correlate with better selection odds.
Get Wisa's data includes prevailing wage information for H-1B filings. Searching for sponsors that consistently file at Level 3 or Level 4 wages can help identify these employers.