Demystifying the lottery for entry-level H-1B applicants.
Navigating the H-1B lottery can be daunting, especially for those applying with Level 1 wages. This guide breaks down the FY2027 selection odds, highlighting the specific challenges and opportunities for entry-level candidates, backed by U.S. DOL data.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Lottery Registrations | ~343,981 | ↓ 27% |
| FY2027 Overall Selection Odds | 35.3% | ↑ 5% |
| FY2027 Level 1 Odds | ~15% | ↓ 10% |
| FY2027 Level 2 Odds | ~31% | ↑ 3% |
| FY2027 Level 4 Odds | ~62% | ↑ 7% |
Our analysis of the FY2027 lottery data shows a significant disparity in selection odds based on wage levels. While overall odds improved slightly, Level 1 wages remain considerably disadvantaged, suggesting that employers offering entry-level salaries face a much tougher challenge in securing H-1B visas for their candidates.
If your H-1B offer is at Level 1 wages, understand that your odds are significantly lower. Consider exploring employers who offer higher wage levels, as indicated by Get Wisa's data, to improve your chances in the lottery.
The FY2027 H-1B lottery saw a decrease in total registrations but an increase in overall selection odds compared to the previous year. However, this improvement is not uniform across all wage levels. For candidates applying with Level 1 wages, the odds remain challenging at approximately 15%.
This disparity underscores the importance of wage levels in the H-1B lottery. Employers offering higher wages, corresponding to Level 3 and Level 4 positions, have substantially better selection odds (46% and 62%, respectively). The introduction of the new Form I-129 in April 2026 adds another procedural consideration for all applicants.
- **Amazon:** While a top sponsor overall (55,150 filings in FY2026), many of their entry-level roles might fall into Level 1, facing the ~15% selection odds. - **Infosys:** As a large IT services firm (32,840 filings in FY2026), Infosys sponsors numerous roles, some of which may be at Level 1, impacting their employees' lottery chances. - **Cognizant:** Another major IT services provider (26,700 filings in FY2026), Cognizant's broad sponsorship base includes roles that could be classified at Level 1, facing the lower odds.
Q: What are the H-1B lottery odds for Level 1 wages in FY2027?
A: The estimated selection odds for Level 1 wages in the FY2027 H-1B lottery are approximately 15%, significantly lower than higher wage levels.
Q: How do Level 1 odds compare to higher wage levels?
A: Level 1 odds are ~15%, while Level 2 is ~31%, Level 3 is ~46%, and Level 4 is ~62%. Higher wages substantially increase your selection chances.
Q: Did the number of H-1B registrations decrease for FY2027?
A: Yes, total registrations for the FY2027 lottery decreased by 27% to approximately 343,981 compared to FY2026.
Q: How can I find employers offering higher H-1B wage levels?
A: Get Wisa's database allows you to search for companies and analyze their historical H-1B filings, including wage data, to identify potential sponsors offering higher compensation.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →The estimated selection odds for Level 1 wages in the FY2027 H-1B lottery are approximately 15%, significantly lower than higher wage levels.
Level 1 odds are ~15%, while Level 2 is ~31%, Level 3 is ~46%, and Level 4 is ~62%. Higher wages substantially increase your selection chances.
Yes, total registrations for the FY2027 lottery decreased by 27% to approximately 343,981 compared to FY2026.
Get Wisa's database allows you to search for companies and analyze their historical H-1B filings, including wage data, to identify potential sponsors offering higher compensation.