The H-1B registration period officially closed today at 12:00 PM.

But this year is different.

For the first time, USCIS is no longer using a purely random lottery.

Instead, the FY 2027 H-1B cap introduces a wage-weighted selection system, a significant shift that will directly impact selection odds.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Happens Next

USCIS will now begin the selection process.

Over the next several days, employers and attorneys will start receiving notifications through their USCIS online accounts indicating whether a registration has been selected.

If selected:

• The employer may file a full H-1B petition within the designated filing window (90 days between April 1-June 30)
• The petition must be consistent with the registration, including job details, SOC code, and wage level

If not selected:

• The registration will remain in the system
• USCIS may conduct additional selection rounds later in the year if needed

What Changed: Wage-Weighted Selection

Unlike prior years, selection is no longer random.

This year, registrations are weighted based on wage level using the Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) system.

Each registration is assigned entries as follows:

• Level 4 (highest wage): 4 entries
• Level 3: 3 entries
• Level 2: 2 entries
• Level 1 (entry level): 1 entry

The applicable wage level is determined based on:

• The SOC (job classification)
• The geographic location (MSA)
• The offered wage

If multiple worksites are listed, the lowest applicable wage level controls.

If a private wage survey is used and falls below OEWS Level 1, it will be treated as Level 1.

What This Means in Practice

This change significantly alters selection dynamics.

• Higher-paid roles now have meaningfully better odds of selection
• Entry-level roles face reduced selection probability
• Employers must be more strategic about wage levels and role classification

At the same time, USCIS continues to apply a beneficiary-centric system, meaning multiple registrations for the same individual do not increase their chances. Instead, the system defaults to the lowest applicable wage level for that beneficiary.

A Quick Overview of the H-1B Process

The process still involves two main steps:

Step 1: Registration + Selection
Employers submit registrations during a limited window. This year, selection is weighted—not random.

Step 2: Petition Filing (for selected cases)
Selected registrations may proceed to full petition filing, where USCIS reviews eligibility, job requirements, and qualifications.

Approval is not automatic.

What You Should Be Doing Now

• Monitor your USCIS account closely for selection notices
• Begin preparing documentation now to avoid delays
• Ensure that wage level, SOC code, and job details are consistent with the eventual petition

Final Thoughts

This shift toward wage-based selection reflects a broader policy direction: prioritizing higher-skilled, higher-paid positions within the H-1B system.

For employers and applicants, this means that how a role is structured and compensated matters more than ever before.

If you have questions about your case, selection results, or alternative strategies, our team is here to help you navigate the next steps.

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