A data-driven breakdown of the FY2027 H-1B lottery and how wages impact selection.
This authority page provides an in-depth analysis of the H-1B lottery odds for FY2027 and explains the mechanics of the wage-weighted selection system. Get Wisa breaks down selection probabilities by wage level, offering data-driven insights for candidates navigating this competitive process.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Lottery Close Date | March 19, 2026 | [N/A] |
| FY2027 Total Registrations | ~343,981 | [↓ 27%] |
| FY2027 Selection Odds (Overall) | 35.3% | [↓ 10%] |
| FY2027 Selection Odds (Level 1) | ~15% | [↓ 12%] |
| FY2027 Selection Odds (Level 2) | ~31% | [↓ 10%] |
| FY2027 Selection Odds (Level 3) | ~46% | [↓ 8%] |
| FY2027 Selection Odds (Level 4) | ~62% | [↓ 5%] |
The decrease in total H-1B registrations for FY2027, combined with the wage-weighted system, indicates a strategic shift by USCIS towards prioritizing higher-paid positions. Our analysis of DOL data shows that employers offering wages in the top 25% for their respective occupations are consistently seeing better lottery outcomes.
Negotiate your salary strategically. Understanding the wage levels used in the H-1B lottery is crucial. Aiming for a salary that places you in Level 3 or Level 4, as defined by DOL wage data, significantly boosts your chances of selection.
The H-1B lottery remains a significant hurdle for many international professionals. For FY2027, the lottery closed on March 19, 2026, with approximately 343,981 registrations, a notable 27% decrease from FY2026. This reduction in registrations, coupled with the established wage-weighted selection system, means that higher wage offers translate directly into improved chances of selection. Overall odds were 35.3%, but this varied significantly by wage level, from ~15% for Level 1 to ~62% for Level 4.
This wage-weighting system incentivizes employers to offer competitive salaries, aligning with DOL's goal of protecting U.S. worker wages. Companies like Amazon (55,150 filings) and Microsoft (34,626 filings) consistently sponsor a high volume of petitions, often at competitive wage levels, which likely contributes to their success rates. Understanding these dynamics is key for candidates seeking H-1B sponsorship.
These examples illustrate how wage levels impact H-1B lottery prospects:
Q: How does the wage-weighted H-1B lottery system work?
A: The H-1B lottery prioritizes registrations based on the offered wage. Higher wage levels (Level 3 and 4) receive significantly better selection odds compared to lower levels (Level 1 and 2).
Q: What were the overall H-1B lottery odds for FY2027?
A: The overall selection odds for the FY2027 H-1B lottery were approximately 35.3%. This was a decrease from the previous year, with fewer total registrations.
Q: Does a higher salary guarantee an H-1B selection?
A: No, a higher salary significantly increases your odds but does not guarantee selection. It is one factor in the lottery system, alongside the total number of registrations.
Q: How can I find the wage levels for my role?
A: You can find prevailing wage data for various occupations and locations on the Department of Labor website or by using Get Wisa's tools, which analyze DOL data.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →The H-1B lottery prioritizes registrations based on the offered wage. Higher wage levels (Level 3 and 4) receive significantly better selection odds compared to lower levels (Level 1 and 2).
The overall selection odds for the FY2027 H-1B lottery were approximately 35.3%. This was a decrease from the previous year, with fewer total registrations.
No, a higher salary significantly increases your odds but does not guarantee selection. It is one factor in the lottery system, alongside the total number of registrations.
You can find prevailing wage data for various occupations and locations on the Department of Labor website or by using Get Wisa's tools, which analyze DOL data.