The March 2026 H-1B lottery will no longer be entirely random. Instead, selections will be weighted based on the wage level offered to the H-1B candidate.
Each H-1B position is assigned four wage levels, determined by occupation and geographic location. For example, in Maricopa County, Arizona, the annual wage levels for a computer systems engineer are as follows:
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Level 1: $68,245
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Level 2: $93,538
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Level 3: $118,851
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Level 4: $144,144
Under the new system, a candidate’s wage level determines how many times their name is entered into the lottery:
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Level 4 wage: entered four times
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Level 3 wage: entered three times
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Level 2 wage: entered two times
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Level 1 wage: entered once
As a result, a candidate offered a Level 4 wage will have four times the likelihood of selection compared to a candidate offered a Level 1 wage.
Fees
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For the 2025 lottery, the government registration fee was $205. USCIS has not yet announced the registration fee for the 2026 lottery.
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As of today, the new $100,000 H-1B application fee does not apply to candidates who are currently in the United States in valid legal status and are seeking a change of status to H-1B. For example, candidates on F-1 OPT who are selected in the H-1B lottery will not be subject to the $100,000 fee. However, candidates who are residing outside the United States will be required to pay the $100,000 fee if they are selected in the lottery and proceed with filing an H-1B petition.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jared Leung at jleung@jclimmigration.com or call our main office at 602-831-2329 and ask to speak with any of our attorneys. If you are interested in participating in the H-1B lottery, we recommend contacting us by January 31 to begin the process.