Get Ready! No More Lottery For H1B Visas!

Over the last few years, the H1B work permit visa in the United States was entirely allocated based on lottery system. But that is not going to be the case anymore as the United States immigration authorities have started to move away from the same.

For the first time, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services is moving away from a pure lottery system for H1B visas, marking a major shift in how skilled foreign workers are selected. Starting with FY 2027, with registrations opening on March 4, 2026, the H1B selection process will no longer rely only on random draws.

Instead, the new system will be wage weighted, giving priority to higher paid and higher skilled candidates. This means applicants with stronger salaries, often linked to advanced skills, experience, or critical roles, will have a better chance of selection compared to those offered lower wages.

The idea behind this change is to ensure that the H1B program truly serves its original purpose of attracting top global talent that adds high value to the US economy.

This shift could significantly impact both employers and applicants. Companies may now focus more on offering competitive wages and clearly defining high skill roles. For applicants, especially those in entry level or lower paying positions, the competition could become tougher. At the same time, experienced professionals and specialists may find improved odds compared to the earlier lottery based system.

Overall, this move signals a clear policy direction. The H1B program is evolving from chance based selection to a more merit driven approach, reshaping the future of skilled immigration to the United States.