H-1B Lottery Odds Calculator
FY2027 · Weighted selection system · Updated for March 2026
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How the weighted H-1B lottery works
Starting FY2025, USCIS moved to a beneficiary-centric registration system. Each unique worker is entered once, eliminating the advantage of having multiple employers submit registrations.
For FY2026 onward, USCIS added wage-level weighting. Your offered salary is compared to the prevailing wage for your occupation and location. The higher your wage level (1-4), the greater your selection weight in the lottery.
This calculator estimates your selection probability based on your salary, work state, and whether you hold a US advanced degree. The model uses historical selection rates and the known weighting methodology to produce an estimate.
Selection rates by wage level
| Wage Level | Description | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Entry (17th percentile) | ~14% |
| Level 2 | Qualified (34th-50th percentile) | ~25% |
| Level 3 | Experienced (50th-67th percentile) | ~38% |
| Level 4 | Fully Competent (67th+ percentile) | ~52% |
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Find an Immigration Lawyer →Frequently Asked Questions
How does the H-1B lottery work in FY2027?▾
The FY2027 H-1B lottery uses a beneficiary-centric, weighted selection system. Each unique worker (beneficiary) is entered once, regardless of how many employers register them. USCIS assigns selection weights based on the offered wage level relative to the prevailing wage for the occupation and work location. Higher wage levels receive proportionally higher chances of selection.
What are the H-1B cap numbers for FY2027?▾
The H-1B program has an annual cap of 85,000 visas: 65,000 for the regular cap and 20,000 additional visas reserved for beneficiaries with a US master's degree or higher. An estimated 480,000 registrations were submitted for FY2027.
How does salary affect H-1B lottery odds?▾
Under the weighted selection system, USCIS categorizes offered wages into four levels based on prevailing wage data. Level 1 (entry-level) salaries receive the lowest selection weight, while Level 4 (fully competent) salaries receive the highest. A Level 4 wage can have roughly 3-4x the selection probability compared to Level 1.
Does a US Master's degree improve my chances?▾
Yes. Beneficiaries with a US master's degree or higher are first entered in the 20,000 master's cap pool. If not selected there, they are entered again in the 65,000 regular cap pool. This gives them two chances at selection, significantly improving overall odds.
When will FY2027 H-1B lottery results be announced?▾
USCIS is expected to notify selected registrants by late March 2026. Selection notifications are sent through USCIS online accounts. The filing window for selected registrants opens April 1, 2026.
Is this calculator accurate?▾
This calculator provides estimates based on publicly available USCIS data, historical selection rates, and the known weighted selection methodology. Actual probabilities depend on the full distribution of registrations by wage level, which USCIS does not publish in advance. Use this as a directional guide, not a guarantee.