DHS's final rule (published Dec 29, 2025) replacing the random H-1B lottery with wage-weighted selection took effect Feb 27, 2026 and governed the FY2027 cap season (registration March 4-19, 2026). Candidates at higher DOL prevailing-wage levels (I-IV) get proportionally more entries, cutting the odds for entry-level offers.
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H-1B lottery becomes wage-weighted for FY2027, favoring higher-paid roles
Why this matters for founders
Startups that historically won H-1B slots with Level I salaries now face lower odds; budget for higher prevailing-wage offers, or lean on O-1A/cap-exempt routes for foreign hires.
Source: Greenberg Traurig
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