Changes in H-1B Lottery System for FY2027: Key Updates
H-1B Lottery Results Now Available
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun displaying the results of the H-1B lottery for the fiscal year 2027 in user accounts. Employers are expected to receive official notifications by March 31. Both applicants and employers can now check their selection status by logging into the myUSCIS portal. Currently, no email notifications have been dispatched, prompting many users to directly access their accounts for updates. Those selected will be able to submit their complete H-1B petitions starting April 1, 2026, marking a significant step for individuals who have secured a spot in this year's visa lottery.
This year's lottery introduces notable changes compared to previous cycles. The selection process has undergone a significant transformation, moving away from the traditional random selection method to a wage-based system. This new framework increases the chances for applicants who receive higher salary offers from employers.
Modifications to the H-1B Lottery System
How Has H-1B Lottery System Changed?
Under the revised system, the selection is influenced by wage levels. Positions offering higher salaries receive more entries in the lottery. For instance, Level IV jobs are granted four entries, Level III jobs receive three, and Level II jobs get two entries. Conversely, Level I positions are given the least preference, which diminishes their chances of being selected, as reported by federal sources.
The wage level is determined by the employer's proposed salary post-approval, rather than the applicant's current earnings. This adjustment shifts the emphasis towards employer offers instead of historical salaries.
Another significant alteration is the introduction of a $100,000 fee for petitions submitted for workers located outside the United States. This regulation was enacted through a presidential order in September 2025. However, many F-1 students currently in the U.S. under Optional Practical Training (OPT) are exempt from this fee, a group that has historically represented a large portion of H-1B applicants.
Decline in H-1B Registrations
Recent reports indicate a sharp decline in the number of registrations over the past two years. American media outlets have highlighted a 38 percent decrease from FY2024 to FY2025, following new regulations that prevent multiple employers from registering the same individual. The fiscal year 2026 saw an additional drop of 26.9 percent, with total registrations falling to 343,981, significantly lower than the nearly 800,000 registrations recorded in FY2024. Previously, some individuals exploited the system by submitting duplicate entries, gaining an unfair advantage. USCIS is now employing advanced tools to detect unusual patterns, including instances where wages may be manipulated to enhance selection chances. While the agency has not disclosed comprehensive details, it emphasizes its commitment to ensuring a fair process.
USCIS aims to distribute all selection notifications by March 31, 2026. Applicants are unable to verify results independently without logging in or receiving information from their employer or immigration attorney. This year, only about 85,000 applicants will be chosen. Those selected can proceed with their visa application process starting April 1, while others will need to await the next lottery cycle.