Understand how wage levels impact your selection chances in the H-1B lottery.
The FY2027 H-1B lottery, closed on March 19, 2026, introduced a wage-weighted selection system. This guide from Get Wisa analyzes how different wage levels correlate with selection odds, providing crucial data for international professionals.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Lottery Close Date | March 19, 2026 | New System |
| Total Registrations (FY27) | ~343,981 | ↓ 27% |
| Selection Odds Overall (FY27) | 35.3% | ↓ 10% (vs estimated 2026) |
| Selection Odds Level 1 (FY27) | ~15% | ↓ Significant decrease |
| Selection Odds Level 4 (FY27) | ~62% | ↑ Significant increase |
| PERM Processing Time | 503 days (average) | ↑ 15 days |
The FY2027 wage-weighted lottery system clearly incentivizes higher salaries, as evidenced by the dramatic increase in selection odds for Level 4 wage positions compared to Level 1. This shift suggests a strategic move by USCIS to prioritize roles with higher compensation and potentially greater demand.
When evaluating job offers for H-1B sponsorship, pay close attention to the offered salary. Higher wages, corresponding to higher DOL wage levels, significantly improve your chances of selection in the H-1B lottery under the new system.
The introduction of the wage-weighted lottery for the FY2027 H-1B cycle marks a significant shift in selection criteria. With overall odds at 35.3% and substantially higher chances for positions classified at higher wage levels (Level 4 odds ~62%), the system clearly prioritizes higher-paying roles.
This change impacts how international professionals and employers approach H-1B applications. Understanding these wage levels and their correlation with selection probability is crucial for strategic planning. Get Wisa's data analysis provides the clarity needed to navigate this evolving landscape.
- **Amazon:** Filed 55,150 H-1B petitions in 2026. Many of these likely fell into higher wage categories, benefiting from increased selection odds. - **Microsoft:** Recorded 34,626 H-1B filings in 2026. Their focus on competitive salaries for tech roles likely improved their employees' lottery chances. - **Google:** With 33,416 H-1B filings in 2026, Google's high compensation packages for specialized roles would have aligned well with the wage-weighted lottery system.
Q: What is the overall selection odds for the FY2027 H-1B lottery?
A: The overall selection odds for the FY2027 H-1B lottery were approximately 35.3%, with a significant variation based on wage levels.
Q: How do wage levels affect H-1B lottery odds in 2026?
A: The wage-weighted system significantly favors higher wage levels. Level 4 positions had roughly 62% odds, while Level 1 had only about 15% odds.
Q: Did the number of H-1B registrations decrease for FY2027?
A: Yes, total registrations for the FY2027 lottery were approximately 343,981, a decrease of 27% from the previous year.
Q: Where can I find data on H-1B wage levels and sponsorship?
A: Get Wisa's platform analyzes DOL data, providing insights into company sponsorship, wage levels, and historical H-1B filing success rates.
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%, with a significant variation based on wage levels.
The wage-weighted system significantly favors higher wage levels. Level 4 positions had roughly 62% odds, while Level 1 had only about 15% odds.
Yes, total registrations for the FY2027 lottery were approximately 343,981, a decrease of 27% from the previous year.
Get Wisa's platform analyzes DOL data, providing insights into company sponsorship, wage levels, and historical H-1B filing success rates.