Analyzing how the new lottery system affects opportunities for entry-level positions.
The introduction of the wage-weighted H-1B lottery system for 2026 presents new challenges and considerations for entry-level roles. Get Wisa breaks down how this system impacts selection odds and identifies companies that may still offer pathways for junior professionals.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Lottery Registrations | ~343,981 | ↓ 27% |
| Overall FY2027 Selection Odds | 35.3% | ↑ (Est.) |
| Level 1 Wage Tier Odds | ~15% | ↓ (Est.) |
| Level 2 Wage Tier Odds | ~31% | ↓ (Est.) |
| Level 3 Wage Tier Odds | ~46% | ↑ (Est.) |
| Level 4 Wage Tier Odds | ~62% | ↑ (Est.) |
| Verified Sponsors in Wisa Database | 45,000+ | N/A |
Our analysis of the FY2027 lottery data indicates a significant disparity in selection odds between lower and higher wage tiers. For entry-level roles, which typically fall into Level 1 or Level 2, the odds have decreased substantially compared to previous years, making sponsorship more challenging.
While the wage-weighted lottery favors higher salaries, it doesn't eliminate opportunities for entry-level roles. Focus on companies known for sponsoring junior talent (like Infosys or Cognizant) and explore roles that might qualify for higher wage tiers due to specific skill demands or location.
The wage-weighted H-1B lottery system fundamentally alters the landscape for entry-level positions in 2026. With selection odds for Level 1 roles dropping to around 15% and Level 2 to 31%, companies sponsoring junior talent face increased difficulty in securing visas for these candidates compared to higher-paid positions.
This shift incentivizes employers to focus H-1B sponsorship on more experienced hires or roles that inherently command higher salaries. However, large IT service companies like Infosys and Cognizant, which historically sponsor a high volume of entry-level positions, continue to be significant players, potentially offering pathways despite the challenging odds.
Companies with high H-1B filing volumes, including those that sponsor entry-level roles:
Q: How does the wage-weighted lottery affect entry-level H-1B applications?
A: Entry-level roles with lower salaries fall into lower wage tiers, which have significantly reduced selection odds (e.g., ~15% for Level 1) in the FY2027 lottery.
Q: Are there still H-1B opportunities for entry-level roles in 2026?
A: Yes, but it's more challenging. Companies like Infosys and Cognizant, which sponsor high volumes of entry-level positions, remain viable options, though odds are lower.
Q: Which wage tiers have the best H-1B lottery odds?
A: Higher wage tiers have better odds. For FY2027, Level 4 roles had approximately 62% selection odds, while Level 1 had only ~15%.
Q: What is the total number of H-1B registrations for FY2027?
A: The FY2027 H-1B lottery saw approximately 343,981 registrations, a decrease of 27% from the previous year.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →Entry-level roles with lower salaries fall into lower wage tiers, which have significantly reduced selection odds (e.g., ~15% for Level 1) in the FY2027 lottery.
Yes, but it's more challenging. Companies like Infosys and Cognizant, which sponsor high volumes of entry-level positions, remain viable options, though odds are lower.
Higher wage tiers have better odds. For FY2027, Level 4 roles had approximately 62% selection odds, while Level 1 had only ~15%.
The FY2027 H-1B lottery saw approximately 343,981 registrations, a decrease of 27% from the previous year.