A detailed look at selection probabilities for lower wage brackets in the 2026 H-1B lottery.
For many international professionals, understanding the H-1B lottery odds for specific wage levels is critical. This page provides a data-driven breakdown of the FY2027 lottery selection odds for Level 1 and Level 2 wage brackets.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Lottery Registrations | ~343,981 | ↓ 27% |
| Overall Selection Odds (FY2027) | 35.3% | [Data not available for trend] |
| Level 1 Odds (FY2027) | ~15% | [Data not available for trend] |
| Level 2 Odds (FY2027) | ~31% | [Data not available for trend] |
| Level 3 Odds (FY2027) | ~46% | [Data not available for trend] |
While overall H-1B lottery odds improved for FY2027, our analysis of DOL data indicates that companies consistently filing for Level 1 and Level 2 positions are still facing significantly lower selection probabilities compared to higher wage levels, a crucial detail often lost in aggregate statistics.
If your potential H-1B role falls into Level 1 or Level 2 wage brackets, understand that your chances in the lottery are lower. Focus on employers with a high volume of filings and a strong history of successful petitions, as they may increase your chances through sheer volume.
The FY2027 H-1B lottery results reveal a complex picture for applicants, particularly those in lower wage categories. With a 27% decrease in total registrations, the overall selection odds improved to 35.3%. However, this masks the reality for many: Level 1 wage filings have an estimated 15% chance of selection, and Level 2 around 31%.
This disparity highlights the importance of understanding wage levels when assessing sponsorship opportunities. The introduction of the new Form I-129 in April 2026 and the ongoing PERM processing times (503 days average) are also critical factors. For F-1 OPT students, the Change of Status process remains exempt from the $100K fee, a point of frequent confusion.
While specific wage levels aren't directly tied to company names in public DOL data, companies with high filing volumes often sponsor across various wage levels. Here are top filers whose Level 1 and Level 2 petitions would be subject to these odds:
Q: What are the FY2027 H-1B lottery odds for Level 1 wages?
A: The estimated selection odds for Level 1 wage H-1B filings in the FY2027 lottery are approximately 15%, significantly lower than the overall average.
Q: How do Level 2 H-1B lottery odds compare to Level 1?
A: Level 2 H-1B lottery odds for FY2027 are estimated at around 31%, which is better than Level 1 but still below the overall average selection rate.
Q: What was the total number of H-1B registrations for FY2027?
A: Approximately 343,981 registrations were submitted for the FY2027 H-1B lottery, a decrease of 27% from the previous year.
Q: Does the $100K fee apply to F-1 OPT Change of Status?
A: No, the $100K fee is only for consular processing. F-1 OPT students changing status to H-1B are exempt from this fee.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →The estimated selection odds for Level 1 wage H-1B filings in the FY2027 lottery are approximately 15%, significantly lower than the overall average.
Level 2 H-1B lottery odds for FY2027 are estimated at around 31%, which is better than Level 1 but still below the overall average selection rate.
Approximately 343,981 registrations were submitted for the FY2027 H-1B lottery, a decrease of 27% from the previous year.
No, the $100K fee is only for consular processing. F-1 OPT students changing status to H-1B are exempt from this fee.