How does the FY2027 H-1B wage-weighted lottery work?

Starting FY2027, USCIS uses a wage-weighted selection system where higher-paid workers get more entries. Level I wages get 1 entry, Level II gets 2, Level III gets 3, and Level IV gets 4 entries. This means higher earners have significantly better odds of selection.

What are the H-1B lottery odds by wage level for FY2027?

Based on estimated FY2027 registration volume: Level I (entry-level) has approximately 15% odds, Level II (qualified) about 31%, Level III (experienced) about 46%, and Level IV (expert) about 61%. Actual odds depend on total registration volume.

How is my H-1B wage level determined?

Your wage level (I through IV) is determined by comparing your offered salary against the prevailing wage thresholds published by the Department of Labor for your specific occupation (SOC code) and work location (metro area).

When is the FY2027 H-1B registration period?

The FY2027 H-1B electronic registration period typically opens in March 2026. Employers must submit registrations during this window, and USCIS conducts the lottery selection shortly after the registration period closes.

H1B Score — Free FY2027 H-1B Lottery Odds Calculator

Calculate Your Odds

Occupation

Metro Area

Annual Base Salary

Employer (optional)

US Master's or Higher

20,000 advanced degree exemption

How the New System Works

The DHS Final Rule (December 2025) replaces the random lottery with a wage-weighted selection system for FY2027.

Wage Level Determined

Your salary is compared to DOL prevailing wage data for your specific occupation and metro area to assign a wage level (I-IV).

Entries Weighted

Each wage level receives proportional lottery entries: Level I gets 1, Level II gets 2, Level III gets 3, Level IV gets 4.

Selection Drawn

USCIS draws from the weighted pool. Higher wage levels have dramatically better odds — Level IV is ~4x more likely than Level I.

Key Dates — FY2027

Feb 19

Federal court hearing on registration fee

Feb 27

Wage-weighted rule takes effect

Mar 4

Registration period opens

Mar 21

Registration closes (est.)

Mar 31

Selection results announced (est.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Our estimates use the exact methodology published by DHS in the December 2025 Final Rule: P(selected) = 1 - (1 - f)^w, where f is the per-ticket selection fraction and w is the number of weighted entries. We estimate registration volume based on FY2026 data adjusted for the new fee structure. Actual probabilities will depend on final registration numbers.

Starting FY2027, USCIS assigns weighted lottery entries based on the prevailing wage level of the offered position. Level I (entry-level) gets 1 entry, Level II gets 2, Level III gets 3, and Level IV gets 4 entries. This replaces the previous random selection where everyone had equal odds regardless of salary.

Your wage level depends on two factors: your offered salary and the prevailing wage for your specific occupation (SOC code) in your specific metro area. The Department of Labor publishes prevailing wage data at four levels (17th, 34th, 50th, and 67th percentile). If your salary meets or exceeds the threshold for a given level, you qualify for that level's weighted entries.

The supplemental registration fee (currently being challenged in court, hearing Feb 19, 2026) may reduce total registration volume, which would improve odds for all levels. Our baseline estimates assume moderate volume reduction. We'll update projections after the court ruling.

If you hold a US Master's degree or higher, you're eligible for the 20,000-slot advanced degree exemption pool. Those not selected in this pool are then entered into the regular 65,000-slot cap lottery, effectively giving you two chances at selection.

Built on Public Data

DOL OFLC Prevailing WageUSCIS H-1B Employer Data HubDHS Final Rule (Dec 2025)DOL LCA Disclosure Data

What are yourH-1B lottery odds?