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ARTICLE · 06 JANUARY 2026

Wage-Based Weighted H-1B Selection Process For The 2026 Lottery Implemented

Klasko Immigration Law Partners
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On December 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a rule amending federal regulations that govern the process...

United StatesImmigration
Natalia Gouz
Natalia Gouz
William A. Stock
William A. Stock
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On December 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a rule amending federal regulations that govern the process by which the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) selects foreign workers for the annual H-1B visa lottery. Through the rule, DHS is implementing a weighted H-1B selection process that will favor registrants with job opportunities at a higher wage level. Effectively, this means that H-1B registrants with job offers at higher salaries will have a significantly greater chance of selection than entry-level registrants and other registrants with lower wage offers. The wage-based process is expected to reduce the number of entry-level roles being selected in the H-1B lottery.

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