Calculate your H-1B lottery selection odds based on job title, location, and salary. See your wage level and estimated chances under the FY2026 weighted lottery system.
The H-1B visa program has an annual numerical cap of 85,000 new visas — 65,000 under the regular cap and 20,000 reserved for beneficiaries with a U.S. master's degree or higher. When demand exceeds supply (which it has every year since 2014), USCIS conducts a lottery to randomly select which petitions will be processed.
In FY2025, USCIS received approximately 470,000 registrations for 85,000 slots — a selection rate of roughly 18%. Under the proposed wage-level-based selection system, registrations offering higher wages receive preferential selection. This means candidates in Wage Level 4 positions have significantly better odds than those in Level 1 positions.
Our calculator estimates your odds based on your offered salary, job classification (SOC code), and work location. It determines your DOL wage level and applies the estimated selection rates for each tier.
The Department of Labor defines four wage levels for each occupation and geographic area. These levels are based on the prevailing wage distribution for that specific job and location combination.
| Wage Level | Percentile | Description | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 17th percentile | Entry-level positions requiring basic understanding of the occupation | ~8% |
| Level 2 | 34th percentile | Qualified positions with some experience and special skills | ~15% |
| Level 3 | 50th percentile | Experienced workers who apply special skills independently | ~25% |
| Level 4 | 67th percentile | Fully competent workers who plan and conduct specialized work | ~35% |
Select any job title below to explore salary data and estimate your lottery odds.
Several key factors influence your chances of being selected in the H-1B lottery. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions about your immigration strategy.
| Factor | Impact | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| Salary / Wage Level | Higher wage levels = better odds under weighted system | Negotiate salary above the 50th percentile for your SOC code |
| U.S. Master's Degree | Extra 20,000 slots + second chance in regular pool | Consider a U.S. master's program if eligible |
| Cap-Exempt Employer | No lottery required — guaranteed processing | Apply to universities, research institutions, hospitals |
| Total Registrations | More registrations = lower overall odds | Cannot control, but higher wage level mitigates this |
| Multiple Registrations | USCIS has cracked down on duplicate registrations | Ensure unique, legitimate registration through one employer |
The H-1B lottery is a random selection process used by USCIS when the number of H-1B visa registrations exceeds the annual cap of 85,000 (65,000 regular cap + 20,000 master's cap). Employers must register beneficiaries during the annual registration period, and USCIS randomly selects registrations up to the cap limit.
The Department of Labor defines four wage levels based on the prevailing wage for each occupation and location. Level 1 represents entry-level positions (17th percentile), Level 2 is qualified (34th percentile), Level 3 is experienced (50th percentile), and Level 4 is fully competent (67th percentile). These levels determine the minimum salary an H-1B employer must offer.
Under the traditional lottery system, selection odds were roughly 25-30% depending on total registrations. Under the proposed weighted lottery system, higher wage level registrations receive preference, with Level 4 wages having approximately 3x the selection rate of Level 1 wages.
If not selected, you may continue in your current status (e.g., OPT, L-1) if applicable. Your employer can re-register you in the next fiscal year's lottery. Some candidates explore cap-exempt employers (universities, research institutions) which don't require lottery selection.
Under the weighted system, negotiating a higher salary that places you in a higher wage level can improve your odds. Working for a cap-exempt employer eliminates the lottery requirement entirely. Having a U.S. master's degree gives you a second chance in the advanced degree lottery.
USCIS typically opens the electronic registration period in early March each year for the following fiscal year. The registration window is usually open for about 2-3 weeks. Selected registrations are notified by late March or early April.
No. This calculator provides estimates based on historical data and the proposed weighted lottery methodology. Actual selection rates vary each year based on total registrations, USCIS policies, and other factors. Results are for informational purposes only.
The regular cap allows 65,000 new H-1B visas per fiscal year, open to all qualifying beneficiaries. The master's cap provides an additional 20,000 slots exclusively for beneficiaries with a U.S. master's degree or higher. Master's cap registrations that aren't selected get a second chance in the regular cap lottery.