In December 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalized a major overhaul of the H-1B visa selection process, replacing the traditional random lottery with a weighted selection system. 

Key Features of the Weighted System

The new system prioritizes higher-paid and higher-skilled workers by giving them more entries into the selection pool based on their Department of Labor (DOL) wage levels: 
  • Wage Level IV (Highest): 4 entries in the selection pool.
  • Wage Level III: 3 entries in the selection pool.
  • Wage Level II: 2 entries in the selection pool.
  • Wage Level I (Lowest): 1 entry in the selection pool. 

Effective Date and Implementation

  • Official Effective Date: The rule takes effect on February 27, 2026.
  • Applicable Season: It will be in place for the FY 2027 H-1B cap registration season, which is expected to open in March 2026.
  • Scope: The system applies to all 85,000 annual visas, including the 65,000 regular cap and the 20,000 advanced-degree exemption. 

Impact and Compliance

  • Probability Changes: While registrations at all wage levels remain eligible, the odds for Level IV roles are expected to increase by approximately 107%, while Level I roles may see a 48% decrease in selection chances.
  • Stricter Requirements: Employers must provide specific wage data (OEWS level, SOC code, and location) during the initial registration. The later-filed H-1B petition must match these details to prevent system manipulation.
  • Additional Costs: This change follows a presidential proclamation in late 2025 that introduced a $100,000 supplemental fee for certain H-1B workers hired from outside the U.S.. 
For official updates and filing requirements, consult the USCIS H-1B Specialty Occupations page and the Federal Register. 

Posted in: Uncategorized

posted on: December 29, 2025

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