Demystify your chances in the H-1B lottery with data-driven insights.
Understanding your odds in the H-1B lottery is crucial for planning your career path. This guide breaks down how to calculate your selection probability for FY2027, detailing overall odds and specific probabilities based on wage levels (Level 1-4).
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Lottery Closed Date | March 19, 2026 | N/A (New Cycle) |
| FY2027 Total Registrations | ~343,981 | ↓ 27% |
| FY2027 Overall Selection Odds | 35.3% | ↑ 5% |
| FY2027 Level 1 Odds | ~15% | ↓ 10% |
| FY2027 Level 2 Odds | ~31% | ↓ 5% |
| FY2027 Level 3 Odds | ~46% | ↑ 8% |
| FY2027 Level 4 Odds | ~62% | ↑ 15% |
The FY2027 H-1B lottery saw a significant 27% decrease in total registrations compared to the previous year, yet overall selection odds increased to 35.3%. This suggests a potential shift in the applicant pool or registration strategies, with higher wage-level positions (Levels 3 and 4) showing notably improved selection probabilities.
When assessing your H-1B lottery chances, consider the wage level of the offered position. Higher wage levels (Level 3 and 4) demonstrated significantly better selection odds in the FY2027 lottery. Employers offering positions at these levels may have a strategic advantage in securing H-1B visas.
The FY2027 H-1B lottery cycle presented a complex picture for applicants. While total registrations decreased by 27% to approximately 343,981, the overall selection odds improved to 35.3%. This indicates that while fewer individuals registered, the proportion of selected applications increased, potentially due to changes in registration criteria or employer strategies.
The data clearly shows a wage-weighted advantage: Level 1 positions had only a ~15% selection chance, while Level 4 positions saw odds as high as ~62%. This trend emphasizes the importance of the wage-weighted lottery system and how it influences the competitiveness of H-1B applications. Understanding these odds is critical for both applicants and employers in 2026.
The FY2027 lottery data reflects employer sponsorship patterns:
Q: What were the overall H-1B lottery odds for FY2027?
A: The overall H-1B lottery selection odds for FY2027 were approximately 35.3%.
Q: How did wage levels affect FY2027 H-1B lottery odds?
A: Higher wage levels offered better odds: Level 1 was ~15%, while Level 4 reached ~62%.
Q: Did the number of H-1B registrations decrease for FY2027?
A: Yes, total registrations for FY2027 decreased by 27% to approximately 343,981.
Q: Can I increase my H-1B lottery chances by targeting higher wage jobs?
A: Yes, the FY2027 data shows significantly higher selection odds for positions at Level 3 and Level 4 wage levels.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →The overall H-1B lottery selection odds for FY2027 were approximately 35.3%.
Higher wage levels offered better odds: Level 1 was ~15%, while Level 4 reached ~62%.
Yes, total registrations for FY2027 decreased by 27% to approximately 343,981.
Yes, the FY2027 data shows significantly higher selection odds for positions at Level 3 and Level 4 wage levels.