Clarifying the chances for lower wage level candidates in the 2026 H-1B lottery.
For many international professionals, understanding the H-1B lottery selection odds is a primary concern, especially for those in lower wage brackets. The FY2027 lottery, with its wage-weighted system, presents specific challenges and opportunities for Level 1 wage candidates.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 H-1B Lottery Registrations | ~343,981 | ↓ 27% |
| Overall Selection Odds (FY2027) | 35.3% | Improved |
| Level 1 Wage Odds (FY2027) | ~15% | Lower than overall |
| Level 4 Wage Odds (FY2027) | ~62% | Significantly higher |
| PERM Processing Time | 503 days average | ↑ 15% |
Our analysis of the FY2027 H-1B lottery data reveals a significant disparity in selection odds based on wage levels. While the overall odds improved due to fewer registrations, Level 1 wage candidates faced substantially lower chances (around 15%) compared to Level 4 candidates (around 62%), highlighting the impact of the wage-weighted system.
If your H-1B petition falls into Level 1 wage category, focus on employers who historically sponsor a high volume of applications or those in high-demand fields where competition might be less fierce for specific roles. Use Get Wisa to identify such sponsors.
The FY2027 H-1B lottery, with its wage-weighted selection process, continues to be a major point of discussion. For candidates in Level 1 wage brackets, the odds of selection were approximately 15%, a stark contrast to the 62% odds for Level 4 candidates. This disparity underscores the importance of salary negotiation and understanding prevailing wage requirements.
While the overall number of registrations decreased by 27%, leading to improved overall odds of 35.3%, the wage-level differentiation remains a critical factor. Applicants should also be mindful of the new Form I-129 implementation in April 2026 and the ongoing PERM processing delays (503 days average).
Companies that sponsor H-1B visas are aware of the wage-weighted lottery. While specific wage levels are not always public, these top filers in 2026 demonstrate a broad capacity to sponsor various roles, including those that might fall into Level 1 wages:
Here are answers to common questions about H-1B wage level 1 selection odds in the FY2027 lottery:
For FY2027, H-1B Level 1 wage candidates had approximately 15% selection odds, significantly lower than the overall average of 35.3%.
The wage-weighted system favors higher salary offers. Level 1 wages, being the lowest, result in substantially lower selection odds compared to higher wage levels.
Focus on employers with high sponsorship volumes or in niche fields. Negotiating salary to meet higher prevailing wage requirements, if possible, can also improve odds.
Get Wisa's database of over 45,000 verified sponsors allows you to search for companies based on role and location, helping you identify potential employers across different wage levels.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →For FY2027, H-1B Level 1 wage candidates had approximately 15% selection odds, significantly lower than the overall average of 35.3%.
The wage-weighted system favors higher salary offers. Level 1 wages, being the lowest, result in substantially lower selection odds compared to higher wage levels.
Focus on employers with high sponsorship volumes or in niche fields. Negotiating salary to meet higher prevailing wage requirements, if possible, can also improve odds.
Get Wisa's database of over 45,000 verified sponsors allows you to search for companies based on role and location, helping you identify potential employers across different wage levels.