Browse StatesAboutVisa StrategySponsor CheckerVisa IntelligenceLottery CalculatorPricing
Log In
Free Tool

H-1B Lottery Odds Calculator 2026

Find out your exact selection probability based on the new wage-weighted lottery system

Level 1 — Entry Level~15%
New to role, learning · $55k – $85k
Level 2 — Qualified~31%
2-5 yrs experience · $85k – $120k
Level 3 — Experienced~46%
Specialized skills · $120k – $160k
Level 4 — Senior / Expert~62%
Top of field · $160k+
$
How It Works

The Wage-Weighted Lottery Explained

⚖

Weight System

Each registration receives entries based on the DOL wage level of the offered position. Level 1 gets 1 entry, Level 2 gets 2, Level 3 gets 3, and Level 4 gets 4 entries into the lottery pool.

🎰

Two-Pool Process

USCIS first draws 20,000 from the Master's cap pool (US advanced degree holders only). Unselected Master's applicants then enter the 65,000 regular cap drawing alongside all other registrants.

📅

2026 Changes

FY2026 implements the wage-weighted system where higher-paid positions have better odds. This replaces the previous equal-chance lottery and aims to prioritize positions offering competitive wages.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Level 4 applicants receive 4 entries versus 1 entry for Level 1, which significantly improves odds (~62% vs ~15%), but selection is still random. It is not a guaranteed outcome. Many Level 4 applicants were not selected in FY2025.

Yes. If you have STEM OPT, you get up to 3 years of work authorization (1 year OPT + 2 years STEM extension), giving you up to 3 lottery attempts. Each fiscal year is an independent lottery, so applying multiple years improves your cumulative chances.

No. Under the wage-weighted system, only your offered wage level matters for lottery weighting. However, cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofit research orgs, government research orgs) bypass the lottery entirely — no cap or lottery needed.

Yes. US advanced degree holders are first entered in the 20,000 Master's cap lottery. If not selected, they are automatically entered in the 65,000 regular cap lottery, effectively giving two chances at selection.

These estimates are based on publicly available DOL data and USCIS proposed rules for FY2026. Actual selection rates may vary. Wisa is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.