The new wage-weighted lottery is effective for FY2027 registrations starting February 27, 2026 — here is exactly how it changes your odds
The wage-weighted H-1B lottery is no longer hypothetical. Effective February 27, 2026, USCIS implemented a wage-based selection system for H-1B cap registrations. This means FY2027 is the first year where your wage level directly affects your probability of being selected in the lottery. Here is exactly how it works, who benefits, who is disadvantaged, and what strategies remain available.
Quick Answer: Yes, the wage-weighted H-1B lottery applies to FY2027. Effective February 27, 2026, USCIS assigns lottery entries based on the prevailing wage level of the offered position. Level 4 wages receive the most entries (~4x weight), Level 3 receives ~3x, Level 2 receives ~2x, and Level 1 receives ~1x. This dramatically shifts odds in favor of higher-paid, more experienced workers.
| Company | H-1B Filings | Typical Wage Level | Lottery Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 55,150 | Level 2-3 | Strong — most roles at 2-3x entries |
| Microsoft | 34,626 | Level 2-3 | Strong — competitive wages |
| 33,416 | Level 3-4 | Very strong — high salaries | |
| Infosys | 32,840 | Level 1-2 | Weak — many Level 1 entries |
| Tata Consultancy Services | 28,950 | Level 1-2 | Weak — predominantly Level 1 |
| Cognizant | 26,700 | Level 1-2 | Weak — salary-dependent |
| Deloitte | 18,200 | Level 2-3 | Moderate — role-dependent |
| JPMorgan Chase | 12,400 | Level 2-3 | Strong — finance salaries |
Under the new system, each H-1B registration is assigned a number of lottery entries proportional to the prevailing wage level of the offered position. The wage level is determined by the DOL's Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data for the specific occupation (SOC code) and geographic area.
Level 1 (entry-level, 17th percentile) receives approximately 1 entry. Level 2 (qualified, 34th-50th percentile) receives approximately 2 entries. Level 3 (experienced, 50th-67th percentile) receives approximately 3 entries. Level 4 (fully competent, 67th+ percentile) receives approximately 4 entries. This means a Level 4 registration is roughly 4 times more likely to be selected than a Level 1 registration.
For new graduates, this is a significant shift. Most entry-level positions are classified at Level 1, meaning new grads face dramatically lower selection odds. However, some employers — particularly in high-cost areas or for in-demand specialties — may offer Level 2 salaries even for entry-level roles, significantly improving lottery odds.
F-1 OPT students applying for H-1B face the steepest disadvantage under wage-weighted selection. Most entry-level offers fall at Level 1, giving new graduates roughly 15% selection odds compared to ~62% for Level 4 workers. Strategies to improve odds: negotiate a higher salary that qualifies for Level 2, target employers in high-cost areas where even entry wages hit Level 2 thresholds, or pursue cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofits) where the lottery does not apply.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →Yes. The wage-weighted selection system took effect on February 27, 2026, and applies to FY2027 H-1B cap registrations. This is the first year where wage level directly determines lottery odds.
Level 1 receives approximately 1 entry, Level 2 receives approximately 2 entries, Level 3 receives approximately 3 entries, and Level 4 receives approximately 4 entries. The exact multipliers may be adjusted by USCIS based on registration volume.
Yes, and this is one of the most practical strategies available. If your employer can offer a salary at or above the Level 2 threshold for your occupation and area, your lottery entries double. Some employers are proactively offering Level 2 salaries for new grad roles specifically to improve lottery competitiveness.
No. Cap-exempt employers — including universities, nonprofit research organizations, and government research entities — do not participate in the lottery at all. H-1B petitions filed by cap-exempt employers are processed directly, regardless of wage level.