US H-1B Visa: Lottery Replaced with Wage-Based Selection for FY27

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has replaced the H-1B visa random lottery with a new weighted selection process, prioritizing higher-skilled and higher-paid foreign workers. This significant change, announced by the Trump administration, takes effect for the Fiscal Year 2027 cap registration season, beginning February 27, 2026.

• USCIS replaces random H-1B lottery with weighted selection system.
• New system prioritizes higher-skilled and higher-paid foreign workers.
• Rule becomes effective February 27, 2026, for FY2027 H-1B season.
• Indian professionals are expected to be significantly impacted.
• Selection odds increase for higher wage levels, decreasing for lower levels.
• The change aims to protect American jobs and wages from exploitation.

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