H-1B Lottery Calculator
Starting FY 2027, the H-1B lottery uses a wage-weighted selection system. Higher wage levels get more lottery entries and better odds of selection. Use this calculator to find your wage level and estimate your lottery advantage.
Two Software Engineers apply for H-1B in San Francisco. The DOL sets prevailing wage thresholds for this job+location:
Now compare two engineers with different salary offers:
Key insight: Engineer B gets 4x more lottery entries because their salary exceeds the Level IV threshold. Prevailing wages vary by occupation and location - a $150K salary might be Level IV in Texas but Level I in San Francisco. Use the calculator below to find your exact wage level.
Calculate Your H-1B Lottery Odds
US Master's/PhD holders get entered in a separate 20,000 visa pool first, then the regular 65,000 pool if not selected.
Your Results
US Advanced Degree Advantage
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Lottery Selection Analysis
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Real H-1B Market Data for This Occupation
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Official Prevailing Wage Thresholds
DOL OFLC data for this occupation + location (2025-2026 wage year)
Your Salary Position
Recommendation
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How the Wage-Weighted H-1B Lottery Works
In December 2025, USCIS finalized a significant change to the H-1B visa selection process. Starting with the FY 2027 cap season (registrations in March 2026), the traditional random lottery is replaced with a wage-weighted selection system.
Under this system, beneficiaries offered a Level IV wage (highest tier) receive four entries in the lottery pool, while those at Level I receive only one entry. This means a Level IV candidate has roughly 4x better odds of selection compared to a Level I candidate.
Understanding H-1B Wage Levels
| Level | Percentile | Description | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | 17th percentile | Entry-level positions, limited experience required | 1 |
| Level II | 34th percentile | Qualified workers, some experience | 2 |
| Level III | 50th percentile | Experienced workers, independent judgment | 3 |
| Level IV | 67th percentile | Fully competent, expert-level skills | 4 |
Wage levels are determined by the Department of Labor's Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. The prevailing wage for each level is based on wages for similar workers in the same occupation and geographic area. Employers must pay at least the prevailing wage for the position's designated skill level.
Tips to Improve Your Lottery Odds
1. Negotiate Higher Salary
If your offered salary is close to a wage level threshold, negotiate for a higher salary to reach the next level. Even a small increase can double your lottery entries.
2. Consider Location
Prevailing wages vary by location. The same salary may qualify as Level IV in a lower-cost area but only Level II in an expensive metro. Consider where you'll work.
3. Target Direct-Hire Employers
Large tech companies and direct employers typically offer higher wages than consulting firms. Use our employer data to find high-paying sponsors.
4. Understand Your Market Value
Research what similar H-1B workers earn in your role and location. Check our job salary data to benchmark your offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the wage-weighted H-1B lottery take effect?
The wage-weighted selection process takes effect for the FY 2027 H-1B cap season. Registrations will open in March 2026, with the new weighted system applying to all cap-subject H-1B petitions. The rule was finalized by DHS on December 23, 2025, and becomes effective February 27, 2026.
How are H-1B wage levels determined?
Wage levels are determined by comparing the offered salary to the prevailing wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). The prevailing wage is specific to the SOC occupation code and geographic area (metro area or state).
- Level I: 17th percentile wage (entry-level)
- Level II: 34th percentile wage (qualified)
- Level III: 50th percentile wage (experienced)
- Level IV: 67th percentile wage (fully competent)
What if I have multiple H-1B registrations at different wage levels?
If a beneficiary has multiple registrations submitted by different employers at different wage levels, USCIS will assign the beneficiary to the lowest wage level among them for selection purposes. This prevents gaming the system with multiple registrations.
What are my actual odds of H-1B selection?
Exact odds depend on the total number of registrations at each wage level in a given year. Historically, with ~400,000+ registrations for ~85,000 slots, the random lottery had roughly 25-30% selection odds. Under the weighted system:
- Level IV: Significantly better odds (4x weight)
- Level III: Better than average odds (3x weight)
- Level II: Near-average odds (2x weight)
- Level I: Lower odds (1x weight)
The first year of implementation will reveal actual selection rates by level.
Can employers manipulate wage levels to game the system?
USCIS has stated it will retain discretion to deny or revoke petitions if it determines that an employer attempted to manipulate odds by selecting an inappropriate wage level or offering a lower wage than initially registered. Employers must provide accurate wage and job information during registration, including the SOC code, area of intended employment, and OEWS wage level.
Where does this calculator's wage data come from?
This calculator uses official prevailing wage data from the Department of Labor's Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC). The data is from the 2025-2026 wage year, which uses May 2024 OEWS wage estimates. Wage data is updated annually each July.
Why is my occupation not listed?
This calculator includes the most common H-1B occupation codes. If your specific job title isn't listed, look for a closely related SOC code. For less common occupations, you may need to consult the OFLC Wage Search tool directly for accurate prevailing wage information.
Does having a US Master's or PhD improve my H-1B odds?
Yes, significantly. If you hold a Master's degree or higher from a US university, you're eligible for the Advanced Degree Exemption (also called the "Master's Cap"). This gives you two chances in the lottery:
- First lottery: 20,000 visas reserved for US advanced degree holders
- Second lottery: If not selected, you're entered again in the regular 65,000 cap pool
Under the wage-weighted system, your wage level affects both pools. A US Master's holder at Level IV has roughly 1.5-2x better odds than a Bachelor's holder at Level IV, because they get two weighted lottery entries instead of one.
Note: The degree must be from an accredited US institution. Foreign Master's/PhD degrees do not qualify for the Master's Cap - these candidates compete only in the regular cap pool.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is for informational purposes. Actual H-1B lottery selection odds depend on total registrations, which vary each year. The wage-weighted system takes effect for FY 2027; actual outcomes may differ from projections. This tool does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for guidance on your specific situation. H1BScope is not affiliated with USCIS or the Department of Labor.