H-1B ‘weighted’ lottery math explained: Entry-level odds slashed by half

The Trump administration has reshaped the H-1B visa system, moving it away from a random lottery to a wage-weighted model. Data, cited by Newsweek shows entry-level applicants are the hardest hit, with their chances of selection dropping by nearly 50%. Higher-paid roles now get as many as four entries, while lower-paid ones get just one. Add the $100,000 fee for certain overseas filings, and it’s clear the H-1B has become far harder to access for entry-level workers.