Understanding how prevailing wage levels influence your chances in the H-1B lottery.
The H-1B lottery selection process is complex, but data reveals a clear correlation between the offered wage level and an applicant's chances of being selected. This analysis breaks down the FY2027 data to show how higher wages translate to better odds.
| 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% | ↑ 5% |
| FY2027 Level 4 Odds | ~62% | ↑ 7% |
| Total H-1B Filing Records | 323,617 | ↑ 5% |
Our analysis of the FY2027 H-1B lottery data confirms that employers offering wages at Level 4 (typically senior or highly specialized roles) had significantly higher selection odds (around 62%) compared to Level 1 (around 15%). This wage-weighted selection mechanism incentivizes employers to offer higher compensation.
When setting wages for H-1B candidates, consider the prevailing wage levels. Offering a wage that falls into Level 3 or Level 4 can substantially increase the likelihood of your candidate being selected in the H-1B lottery.
The H-1B lottery system, while seemingly random, incorporates a wage-weighted selection process. For FY2027, USCIS data indicates a clear advantage for candidates registered with employers offering higher salaries. The overall selection odds were 35.3%, but this figure masks significant variations across wage levels.
Level 1 wages, often entry-level positions, had the lowest selection odds at approximately 15%. As wages increase through Level 2 (31%), Level 3 (46%), and Level 4 (62%), the probability of selection rises dramatically. This data highlights the strategic importance for employers to offer competitive wages that align with higher DOL wage levels to improve their H-1B candidates' chances.
The impact of wage levels is evident when looking at the types of roles and companies that tend to sponsor at higher levels:
Q: How do wage levels affect H-1B lottery selection odds?
A: Higher wage levels significantly increase selection odds. Level 4 positions had ~62% odds in FY2027, compared to ~15% for Level 1.
Q: What is the overall selection rate for the FY2027 H-1B lottery?
A: The overall selection odds for FY2027 were approximately 35.3%, but this varies greatly by wage level.
Q: Can employers influence lottery odds by offering higher wages?
A: Yes, by offering wages that meet Level 3 or Level 4 requirements, employers can substantially improve their candidates' chances of selection.
Q: Where can I find H-1B wage level data?
A: U.S. Department of Labor data, accessible through platforms like Get Wisa, provides insights into prevailing wage levels and H-1B filings.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →Higher wage levels significantly increase selection odds. Level 4 positions had ~62% odds in FY2027, compared to ~15% for Level 1.
The overall selection odds for FY2027 were approximately 35.3%, but this varies greatly by wage level.
Yes, by offering wages that meet Level 3 or Level 4 requirements, employers can substantially improve their candidates' chances of selection.
U.S. Department of Labor data, accessible through platforms like Get Wisa, provides insights into prevailing wage levels and H-1B filings.