Demystifying your chances in the FY2027 H-1B lottery based on wage levels.
International students on F-1 OPT face significant anxiety regarding the H-1B lottery. Get Wisa breaks down the FY2027 selection odds, explaining how overall chances and wage-weighted categories (Level 1-4) impact your probability of being selected.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Lottery Registrations (Total) | ~343,981 | ↓ 27% |
| FY2027 Lottery Selection Odds (Overall) | 35.3% | ↓ 27% |
| FY2027 Lottery Selection Odds (Level 1) | ~15% | ↓ 35% |
| FY2027 Lottery Selection Odds (Level 2) | ~31% | ↓ 20% |
| FY2027 Lottery Selection Odds (Level 3) | ~46% | ↓ 18% |
| FY2027 Lottery Selection Odds (Level 4) | ~62% | ↓ 15% |
A key insight from the FY2027 lottery data is the widening gap in selection odds between lower and higher wage levels. While overall odds dropped significantly, candidates with job offers corresponding to Level 3 or Level 4 wages saw substantially better selection probabilities, highlighting the impact of the wage-weighted lottery.
When negotiating an H-1B offer, focus on securing a position that qualifies for a Level 3 or Level 4 wage classification. This not only ensures fair compensation but also significantly boosts your chances in the wage-weighted H-1B lottery. Use Get Wisa to research typical wage levels for your role.
The FY2027 H-1B lottery results present a challenging outlook for international students. With a 27% decrease in total registrations, the overall selection odds fell to 35.3%. This decline is particularly stark for Level 1 and Level 2 wage classifications, with odds dropping to approximately 15% and 31% respectively. The implementation of the wage-weighted lottery system is clearly favoring higher-paid positions.
Conversely, candidates with job offers aligning with Level 3 (46% odds) and Level 4 (62% odds) wages experienced comparatively better selection probabilities. This trend underscores the strategic importance of securing a role with a higher salary to improve H-1B lottery chances. The introduction of the new Form I-129 in April 2026 and expanded social media vetting also add layers of complexity for applicants and employers.
Companies with high national filing numbers often sponsor roles across various wage levels. Examples include:
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →The overall selection odds for the FY2027 H-1B lottery were approximately 35.3%. This represents a significant decrease from previous years, making selection more competitive.
The wage-weighted lottery prioritizes higher-paying jobs. Candidates with offers qualifying for Level 3 or Level 4 wages had significantly better odds (46% and 62%) than those at Level 1 or 2.
Yes, any employer can sponsor an H-1B. While large companies file more petitions, smaller and mid-sized companies also sponsor. Get Wisa helps identify these potential sponsors.
The new I-129 form, mandatory April 2026, doesn't directly change lottery odds but requires accurate job and wage data. Ensuring correct classification can indirectly support your application's strength.