Many employers rely on the popular H-1B visa to hire foreign nationals to work in professional level positions. This year’s lottery promises to produce a much different outcome based on significant changes to the lottery selection process.
As this year’s registration window approaches, several important updates deserve close attention:
- Registration Period: Registration with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) opens at 12:00 p.m. EST on March 4, 2026, and closes at 12:00 p.m. EST on March 19, 2026.
- New Weighted Selection System: This is the first year USCIS will implement a weighted, wage-level-based lottery system. Beneficiaries will receive multiple entries based on their wage level under the Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). If the wage offered is a Level IV, the applicant will get four chances in the lottery, a Level III will get three chances, etc.
- Applicants with a U.S. master’s degree (or higher) will be included in a separate lottery, if they are not chosen in the main lottery. Their wage levels will also determine how many chances they get in the Masters lottery.
- $100k Fee: The $100,000 fee remains in effect but applies only to beneficiaries applying from outside of the United States.
Preparation is key. Employers should begin planning now to confirm job details, wage levels, and eligibility to ensure timely and accurate registration.
