Overview
- The new system takes effect February 27, 2026, giving each registration one to four entries based on the DOL wage level offered for the role.
- DHS modeling pegs selection odds at roughly 15.29% for Level I, 30.58% for Level II, 45.87% for Level III, and 61.16% for Level IV.
- The 85,000 cap remains in place, and the separate advanced-degree pool amplifies advantages for beneficiaries with U.S. master’s or higher degrees.
- Registrations must list the offered wage, applicable wage level, SOC code, and all intended worksites, with the lowest applicable wage level controlling and USCIS able to deny petitions if inputs were misrepresented.
- A separate $100,000 fee applies to many consular-bound cases and is being litigated, and practitioners report employers auditing roles, adjusting pay, and trimming speculative filings as a March registration window is anticipated.