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3d ago

U.S. Ends Random H‑1B Lottery, Sets Wage‑Weighted System for 2026 as $100,000 Fee Stands

Higher pay will boost selection chances beginning with the FY2027 registration season.

The government remains actively engaged with the US side to address the issue and minimise the impact on Indian nationals, said Randhir Jaiswal.
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Overview

  • DHS/USCIS finalized a rule replacing the lottery with wage‑weighted selection effective Feb. 27, 2026, governing FY2027 registrations in March 2026.
  • Applicants are entered multiple times by wage level (Level IV four entries down to Level I one), and employers must provide SOC code, worksite and wage at registration with strict consistency requirements.
  • Mechanics curb manipulation across multiple worksites and related employers by using the lowest applicable wage level for selection purposes.
  • A federal judge upheld President Trump’s $100,000 fee for new H‑1B petitions; the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other plaintiffs may pursue appeals as separate suits continue.
  • The State Department’s Dec. 15 expansion of online‑presence vetting led to months‑long rescheduling of H‑1B/H‑4 interviews in India, and India’s MEA says it is actively engaged with U.S. authorities to reduce disruptions.