For the FY2027 cap season, a final rule finalized in December 2025 replaces the random H-1B lottery with a weighted selection process favoring higher-paid, higher-skilled workers across DOL's four wage tiers. Electronic registration ran March 4–19, 2026 at the unchanged $215 fee, with results expected by March 31, 2026.
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H-1B moves to wage-weighted selection for FY2027 cap season
Why this matters for founders
Startups sponsoring H-1B talent should benchmark offered salaries to higher DOL wage levels to improve selection odds, since low-wage roles now face longer registration lines.
Source: Ogletree Deakins
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