United StatesH-1B
H-1B lottery now weighted by wage level
DHS replaced the random H-1B cap selection with a weighted process from the FY 2027 registration season. Registrations at wage level IV enter the selection pool four times, level III three times, level II twice and level I once.
Who it affects
Employers and workers entering the H-1B cap registration
What the official sources say
“This final rule is effective February 27, 2026.”
“registrations for unique beneficiaries or petitions assigned wage level IV will be entered into the selection pool four times, those assigned wage level III will be entered into the selection pool three times, those assigned wage level II would be entered into the selection pool two times, and those assigned wage level I will be entered into the selection pool one time.”
Quotes are copied from the official pages on the dates shown. This page is a summary, not legal advice: rules can change, so check the source before you act.
More visa changes in the USA
All of Visa WatchEAD (incl. dependent spouses)
Automatic extensions of renewed US work permits (EADs) end
DHS finalized its October 30, 2025 interim rule that ended automatic extensions of employment authorization documents for people who filed on time to renew in certain categories. The final rule took effect October 14, 2026.
H-1B
H-1B $100,000 payment rule renewed until September 2027
Proclamation 11069 continues the $100,000 payment requirement for certain new H-1B petitions for 12 months from September 21, 2026. USCIS says a June 8, 2026 court order vacated its guidance on the payment and DHS will comply while it considers next steps.
H-1B
H-1B decisions must weigh the sponsor's layoffs
Executive Order 14431 of September 18, 2026 tells the State, Labor and Homeland Security departments to take into account whether an H-1B sponsor engaged in layoffs in the previous year or plans layoffs affecting similarly situated US workers.
H-1B, L-1, O-1, I-140
USCIS premium processing fee rises to $2,965
From March 1, 2026, premium processing for most Form I-129 classifications, including H-1B, L-1, O-1 and TN, rose from $2,805 to $2,965. The fee for Form I-140 petitions rose by the same amount.