Archive · 6 Jan 2026
US H-1B Visa Lottery Shifts to Wage-Based Selection
The US is changing how it gives out H-1B visas, which are special work permits for people from other countries.
Starting in 2026, they will give more chances to people who get paid more.
This means companies will have to pay more in salaries and a new $100,000 fee per petition.
Freshers will have a harder time getting these visas, while experienced professionals will have better chances.
The government says this will help the economy in the long run by moving money from lower-paid jobs to higher-paid ones.
However, this also adds cost pressure for employers and uncertainty for workers, especially with ongoing visa processing disruptions.
US transitions to wage-based H-1B visa selection starting February 2026.
Higher-paid positions get more chances in the new lottery system.
Employer wage bills estimated to increase from $8.8 billion to $9.4 billion annually.
Selection pool entries: Level IV (4x), Level III (3x), Level II (2x), Level I (1x).
Introduction of a $100,000 fee per petition, exempting F-1 students, existing H-1B visa holders, and renewals.
- Who
- US employers and H-1B visa applicants
- What
- Shift to wage-based selection process for H-1B visas and introduction of a $100,000 fee
- When
- Starting February 2026 for the FY 2027 H-1B cap registration season
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To prioritize higher-paid positions and redistribute salaries, and to increase revenue for the US government
Employers and Freshers
Experienced Professionals
Selection Probability
Employers and Freshers
Lower selection probability for freshers (Level I) with a 48% decrease in chances.
Experienced Professionals
Higher selection probability for experienced professionals (Levels II-IV) with increased chances by 3%, 55%, and 107% respectively.
Financial Impact
Employers and Freshers
Increased financial burden on employers with higher wage bills and a new $100,000 fee per petition.
Experienced Professionals
Benefits for higher-paid professionals with increased selection chances and potentially higher wages.
- Wage Levels
- Level I: Entry-level, Level II: Experienced, Level III: Fully competent, Level IV: Experts
- Selection Pool Entries
- Level IV: 4 entries, Level III: 3 entries, Level II: 2 entries, Level I: 1 entry
- Average Annual Salaries (2024)
- Level I: $85,006, Level II: $103,071, Level III: $131,454, Level IV: $162,528
- Current Total Wage Bill
- $8.8 billion
- Estimated New Total Wage Bill
- $9.4 billion
- First-Year Benefit Increase
- $502 million
- First-Year Wage Transfer
- $858 million from Level I to higher levels
- Long-Term Annual Benefit (Year 5+)
- $2.51 billion
- New Fee
- $100,000 per petition
- Fee Exemptions
- F-1 students, existing H-1B visa holders, and H-1B renewals
