FY 2027 H-1B Lottery: What’s Changing and Why It Matters

⚡Summary 

The FY 2027 H-1B lottery introduces a wage-based selection system and a potential $100,000 fee for applicants outside the US. Learn how these changes affect your chances of selection and how strategic planning with an experienced business immigration attorney can protect your situation.

Call Antonini & Cohen today at (470) 428-3200 to schedule your consultation.

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.

📖 Standard Read

USCIS has introduced a new wage-based selection system for the fiscal year 2027 H-1B lottery. Certain applicants outside the US may also be required to pay the $100,000 fee issued under the October 20, 2025 proclamation. Nisha Karnani, Partner at Antonini & Cohen Immigration Law Group, explains what these changes mean for you and how it may impact your H-1B strategy.

If you plan to register for the H-1B lottery, now is the time to prepare. Contact Antonini & Cohen at (470) 428-3200 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced business immigration attorneys. We will evaluate your job role and wage level, identify potential risks, and help you move forward with a clear, strategic plan.

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.

Wage-Based Lottery Selection

The FY 2027 H-1B Lottery registration period runs from March 4 through March 19, 2026, with a new wage-based selection system that impacts your chances of selection according to your wage level.

There are four wage levels determined by Department of Labor guidance and job location. The number of times you can admit a lottery entry is determined by the wage.

• Wage Level 4: Four entries

• Wage Level 3: Three entries

• Wage Level 2: Two entries

• Wage Level 1: One entry

  
  

While entry-level roles remain eligible, higher-wage positions have increased odds of being chosen in the lottery. This makes proper job classification and wage analysis critical to your chances of being chosen in the lottery.

 

$100,000 Proclamation Fee and Travel Risks

If you are outside the United States, USCIS may require you to pay a $100,000 proclamation fee. While this fee does not apply if you are currently in the US, international travel during registration or filing may unintentionally trigger the fee and delay or complicate your case.

Before making any travel plans, speak with an Antonini & Cohen business immigration attorney to protect your eligibility and avoid unnecessary fees.

A&C Provides Guidance You Can Count On

With wage-based selection and a potential $100,000 fee, the FY 27 H-1B lottery requires careful planning. Early legal guidance helps you plan strategically and avoid costly mistakes.

If you have any questions about the H-1B lottery, contact Antonini & Cohen today at (470) 428-3200 to schedule your consultation. Our business immigration team will guide you through every step of the H-1B process so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.

📚 Video Transcript

Hi, my name is Nisha Karnani, and I’m an attorney at Antonini & Cohen Immigration Law Group. I’m going to talk to you about some updates to the H-1B lottery this year.

The H-1B registrations will be accepted from March 4, 2026, until March 19, 2026. One big change is that the odds of being selected will be higher depending on the wage level. This does not mean that entry-level roles will not have a chance, but it does mean that the probability of selection would be lower.

There are four wage level tiers that are based upon the Department of Labor category and job location. Each wage level will correspond to the number of times you are entered into the lottery. For example, if you are a level four wage, you would be entered into the lottery four times. If you are a level three wage, you would be entered three times, and so on.

H-1B lottery applicants and employers also need to keep in mind that the $100,000 proclamation applies to individuals who are outside the United States. For those who are inside the U.S., it does not apply. However, it is very important that employees do not travel abroad during the registration or filing process until approval, to ensure that the $100,000 requirement is not triggered.

If you have any questions about the H-1B lottery or any other immigration issue, call us at Antonini & Cohen.

We know how. We fight harder.

📝Frequently Asked Questions

What is changing in the FY 2027 H‑1B lottery?

USCIS is introducing a new wage-based selection system for FY 2027. Higher wage levels receive more entries in the lottery, increasing their chances of selection. Entry-level positions remain eligible but have lower odds. This change affects how employers and their employees should plan for their H1B registration.

How does the wage-based H1B selection system work?

Your wage level determines your number of H-1B lottery entries:

• Wage Level 4 → 4 entries

• Wage Level 3 → 3 entries

• Wage Level 2 → 2 entries

• Wage Level 1 → 1 entry

  
  

Because wage level directly affects your odds, accurate classification is essential.

When is the FY 2027 H‑1B registration period?

USCIS will accept H‑1B lottery registrations from March 4 to March 19, 2026.

Consult with an Antonini & Cohen business immigration attorney to develop a strong strategy and ensure accurate document preparation, wage level analysis, and job classification.

Who is required to pay the $100,000 H-1B proclamation fee?

If you are outside the United States, the $100,000 fee may apply under the 2025 presidential proclamation. If you are physically in the US, the fee does not apply, but international travel during registration or filing could trigger it.

Does international travel affect H-1B eligibility?

Yes. Traveling outside the US during the H-1B registration or filing process may unintentionally trigger the $100,000 proclamation fee.

Consult an Antonini & Cohen business immigration attorney before making travel plans to avoid delays or complications.

Do entry‑level positions still qualify under the new H‑1B system?

Yes. Entry‑level roles (Wage Level 1) are still eligible. But, because they receive only one lottery entry, applicants in higher wage levels will naturally have better odds. This makes job classification and wage analysis critical.

Should employers work with an attorney for the FY 2027 H‑1B lottery?

Yes. Wage‑based selection and the potential $100,000 fee make professional, strategic legal guidance more important than ever. Consulting with an experienced Antonini & Cohen business immigration attorney can help you evaluate wage levels, prevent avoidable risks, and prepare a strong H‑1B strategy.

How can I improve my chances of being selected in the FY 2027 H‑1B lottery?

Puede mejorar sus probabilidades al:

• Clasificar correctamente el nivel salarial

• Alinear la descripción del puesto con las guías del Departamento de Trabajo

• Evitar viajes internacionales durante el período de registro o presentación

• Consultar con un abogado antes de registrarte para reducir el riesgo de errores que pueden afectar el numero de entradas

Resources

Nisha Karnani is a partner at Antonini & Cohen Immigration Law Group, where she leads the firm’s business immigration team. She advises employers of all sizes – from startups to multinational corporations – on navigating complex H-1B, L-1, TN, and PERM processes. Known for her strategic solutions and hands-on guidance, Nisha helps business leaders secure the talent they need while ensuring compliance with fast-changing immigration policies.