The H-1B visa lottery has long been a game of chance, with all registrations receiving equal odds in a random selection process. That changes starting with the FY 2027 cap season. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a new wage-based selection system, giving higher-paid jobs better odds of being picked. Here’s what you need to know about the new salary tiers and how they impact your chances in the H-1B lottery.
What Are the New H-1B Salary Tiers?
The system categorizes wage offers into four tiers based on the Department of Labor’s prevailing wage data:
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Level I – Entry-level wages
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Level II – Workers with some experience
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Level III – Experienced professionals with specialized skills
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Level IV – Highly experienced, fully competent professionals
Each level reflects a general increase in skills, responsibilities, and compensation. https://flag.dol.gov/wage-data/wage-search
How the Weighted Lottery Works
Under the new process, USCIS assigns a different number of entries into the lottery based on the wage level of the job offer:
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Level I: 1 entry
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Level II: 2 entries
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Level III: 3 entries
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Level IV: 4 entries
This means an applicant with a Level IV wage will have four times the chance of being selected compared to someone in a Level I role. It’s a major shift from the previous one-entry-per-registrant system.
Why This Change Matters
The wage-based system is designed to discourage abuse of the H-1B program and encourage employers to offer higher-quality jobs. By prioritizing roles that require greater expertise and pay more competitive wages, USCIS aims to better align the visa process with labor market needs.
Importantly, all wage levels remain eligible. Even entry-level positions can still be selected but they now carry lower odds.
How Employers Should Prepare
To determine a job’s wage level, employers must refer to the Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. This involves matching the job title, responsibilities, and salary to the corresponding prevailing wage in the specific location where the work will be performed.
The wage level reported during H-1B registration directly affects the number of lottery entries the applicant receives, so accuracy and competitive compensation are key.
Conclusion: Salary Strategy Now Drives Selection
This change represents a major evolution in the H-1B lottery process. It’s no longer just about submitting on time, it’s about offering competitive pay. Employers should reassess their salary structures and job classifications to optimize their H-1B lottery odds.
For applicants, it’s now more important than ever to seek roles that offer wages at higher levels. In the new system, compensation isn’t just a benefit, it’s your ticket in.
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If you have questions regarding H-1B Visas, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
REBECCA KROLL is an Associate Attorney at Richards and Jurusik who practices exclusively in U.S. immigration law, focusing on both business and family-based immigration. She assists clients with employment-based visas, marriage and family cases, and the U.S. citizenship process. (Full Bio)
