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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Website
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Statistics
Annual Caps for H-1B for Fiscal Years: 85,000 visas
- 65,000 visas
- 20,000 visas for the master’s cap*
The master’s cap – individuals with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions.
Topics
How the New H-1B Lottery Affects Foreign Workers
Wages, selection odds, and what to expect in FY 2027.
The H-1B lottery is no longer just about luck. Starting in FY 2027, wages play a direct role in selection odds - and that changes how foreign workers should approach job offers, negotiations, and career planning.
Here’s what actually matters (and what doesn’t).
TL;DR
For a deeper breakdown of how the new wage-based system works and why it was introduced, see our full explainer: H-1B Wage-Based Selection Process: New Lottery Rules.
Salary Now Affects Your Odds - But It’s Not All or Nothing
Under the new system, higher wage levels receive more chances in the lottery. That means:
- Higher-paying roles statistically perform better.
- No one is automatically excluded.
- Entry-level roles are still eligible.
Think of it less like a coin flip and more like weighted dice.
Job Title Matters Less Than Job Level
What counts isn’t the title on your offer letter - it’s how the role aligns with:
- Experience level
- Responsibilities
- Location
- Market wages for that occupation
A modest title with senior-level responsibilities can still qualify for a higher wage level if the compensation matches.
Multiple Employers Won’t Boost Your Chances
If more than one employer registers you:
- USCIS groups all registrations together.
- The lowest wage level among them applies.
This means:
- Multiple offers don’t stack your odds.
- One low-wage offer can dilute a higher one.
Negotiation Is Still Possible - Just Be Strategic
This is not about pushing for unrealistic salaries.
It is about:
- Understanding the wage range for your role.
- Asking how compensation aligns with experience.
- Clarifying job duties, location, and growth expectations.
Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Offers
Higher wages improve lottery odds, but artificial inflation can backfire.
Red flags to watch for:
- Promises of high wages with vague job descriptions.
- Sudden salary reductions after selection.
- Inconsistent work locations or hours.
Final Takeaway
The new H-1B system rewards alignment - between your experience, your role, and your compensation. You don’t need the highest salary. You do need a role that honestly reflects your skills and market value.
👉 In FY 2027 and beyond, the strongest position for foreign workers is: a clear, defensible job offer that makes sense on paper and in practice.
Implementation details may continue to evolve as USCIS issues operational guidance.