H-1B Wage Based Lottery Calculator and Levels Explained
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H-1B Wage Lottery Calculator
FY 2027 New Rule
H-1B Wage-Based Lottery Selection Probability Calculator
Starting FY 2027 (February 2026), DHS is replacing the random H-1B lottery with a wage-based weighted selection system. Higher-wage positions receive more lottery entries, significantly impacting selection odds. Calculate your probability under the new system.
Effective Feb 27, 2026
Replaces Random Lottery
Level 4: +107% Odds
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Your Wage Level
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Lottery Pool Assumptions
Based on recent years: ~470,000 unique registrations
Your Selection Probability
WAGE LEVEL III
Experienced Worker
Old Random System
25.0%
Equal for all levels
New Weighted System
38.8%
Based on wage level
+55% Increase in Selection Odds
Probability Comparison by Wage Level
Level I
12.9%
Level II
25.8%
Level III
38.8%
Level IV
51.6%
Old Random (25% each)
New Weighted System
What This Means For You
As a Level III (Experienced) worker, the new weighted lottery system gives you a 55% higher chance of being selected compared to the old random system. Your employer’s competitive salary offer positions you favorably in the new merit-based selection process.
New Weighted System
Major Change: Random lottery replaced with wage-weighted selection starting FY 2027.
Under the new rule, H-1B registrations are entered into the lottery pool multiple times based on the offered wage level:
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Level IV (Highest) 4 Entries4x lottery pool presence
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Level III 3 Entries3x lottery pool presence
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Level II 2 Entries2x lottery pool presence
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Level I (Lowest) 1 Entry1x lottery pool presence
Note: Cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofits, government research) are NOT affected.
Understanding Wage Levels
Wage levels are set by the Department of Labor using Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data for each occupation and geographic area.
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Level I – Entry ~17th %ileNew to the occupation, requires close supervision, limited autonomy
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Level II – Qualified ~34th %ileSome experience, gaining independence, limited complexity
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Level III – Experienced ~50th %ileExperienced, works independently, handles complex issues
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Level IV – Fully Competent ~67th %ileExpert, leads/supervises others, specialized expertise
Use the DOL Wage Search to find prevailing wages for your occupation.
FY 2027 Key Dates
New Rule Effective: February 27, 2026
Sep 24, 2025
Final rule published in Federal Register
Feb 27, 2026
Wage-based selection rule takes effect
Early Mar 2026
FY 2027 registration period begins (first weighted lottery)
Late Mar 2026
Lottery selections announced
Apr 1, 2026
Filing window opens for selected petitions
Oct 1, 2026
FY 2027 employment start date
Frequently Asked Questions
Instead of each registration having an equal chance (random lottery), registrations are now entered into the lottery pool multiple times based on their wage level. Level IV registrations get 4 entries, Level III gets 3, Level II gets 2, and Level I gets 1. This creates a weighted system where higher-wage positions have proportionally better odds of selection.
The wage-based selection rule takes effect on February 27, 2026. This means the first H-1B lottery to use the new weighted system will be for Fiscal Year 2027, with registrations expected to open in early March 2026.
Your wage level is determined by comparing your offered salary to the prevailing wage for your occupation in your work location. Use the DOL OFLC Wage Search Tool to find the prevailing wages for all four levels. The level where your salary falls determines your lottery entries.
Your wage level is the highest level for which your offered salary meets or exceeds the minimum. For example, if Level II requires $80,000 and Level III requires $100,000, an offer of $95,000 would be classified as Level II. To move to Level III, the salary would need to be at least $100,000.
No. Cap-exempt employers – including institutions of higher education, nonprofit research organizations, and government research organizations – are not subject to the H-1B cap or lottery system. They can file H-1B petitions at any time and are not affected by this wage-based selection rule.
According to DHS estimates: Level I sees a 48% decrease in selection probability, Level II sees a 3% increase, Level III sees a 55% increase, and Level IV sees a 107% increase. The actual impact depends on the distribution of registrations across wage levels.
The 20,000 additional visas for individuals with U.S. advanced degrees (master’s cap) remain in place. The wage-weighted selection system applies to both the regular 65,000 cap and the master’s cap. Registrants not selected in the advanced degree lottery are automatically entered into the regular cap lottery.
Yes, employers can offer higher salaries to move into higher wage levels, which would increase lottery entries. However, the salary must be consistent with the actual duties and requirements of the position. USCIS and DOL may scrutinize positions where the wage seems inflated relative to job duties.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on the DHS final rule published September 2025. Actual selection probabilities depend on the total number of registrations and their distribution across wage levels. Wage levels are determined by the Department of Labor using OEWS data. Consult with an immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation. Last updated: December 2025.