H-1B visa rules modified; US replaces lottery with wage-based selection

The Department of Homeland Security has modified the H-1 B work visa selection process. Low-skilled and lower-paid foreign workers will feel the biggest impact of the new H-1B visa selection process.

Starting February 27, 2026, and applicable for the FY 2027 H-1B cap registration season, the H-1B lottery system will be replaced with a new process that will prioritize foreign workers with higher skills and higher wages.