2026 H-1B Visa Cheat Sheet
NEW WAGE-WEIGHTED SELECTION SYSTEM
Starts FY 2027 Season (March 2026)
RANDOM LOTTERY IS OUT, HIGHER WAGES = BETTER ODDS
HOW IT WORKS
DOL Wage LevelLottery Entries
Level 4(Sr. / Highest)
4 Entries
Level 3(Experienced)
3 Entries
Level 2(Mid-Level)
2 Entries
Level 1(Entry-Level)
1 Entry
Higher Wage Level = More Chances
L4
L3
L2
L1
KEY DATES
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Feb 27, 2026:New Rules Take Effect
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March 2026:Registration Opens
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March 31, 2026:Selection Notices Sent
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April 1, 2026:Petition Filing Begins
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Oct 1, 2026:H-1B Start Date
THE "$100K FEE" UPDATE
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Applies mostly to overseas applicants.
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Change of Status (F-1 to H-1B) is generally exempt.
PASSPORT
✈️
💡PRO TIPS
Audit Wage Levels & SOC Codes
Consider Salary Boosts to Level Up
Be Ready for Legal Challenges
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
Higher Wages Win
Level 3-4 positions have 3-4x better odds than Level 1
Prepare Early
Audit your SOC codes and wage levels before March 2026
Stay Updated
Legal challenges may affect timeline - watch for updates
Disclaimer: This summary is for informational purposes only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.
Check Your Wage Level
Use our tools to see how your job compares to DOL wage levels
Last updated: January 2026 · Share this guide with others preparing for FY 2027