DHS final rule: wage-weighted H-1B selection for FY2027
Key Questions
What is the new wage-weighted H-1B selection process for FY2027?
The DHS final rule prioritizes higher wages in H-1B lottery selection, favoring Level 4 wages. This resulted in the cap being met by March 31, with around 200-250K selections notified via myUSCIS from March 27 to April 2 and beyond. Tech companies like Amazon saw a 34% drop while Nvidia gained 17% due to wage shifts.
How can applicants check H-1B selection notices?
Applicants should check myUSCIS daily, as notices have been issuing from March 27 to April 2 and continuing. Approximately 200-250K registrations were selected, with Level 4 wages favored.
What should non-selected H-1B registrants do next?
Prepare alternatives such as other visa options discussed in upcoming webinars for non-selected registrants. I-129 petitions are due April 1 to June 30 with new forms, higher fees around $100K, waivers, and DOL wage hikes.
Cap met Mar31; notices ongoing from Mar27-Apr2+ in myUSCIS (daily checks, ~200-250K selected, Lv4 favored); I-129 Apr1-Jun30 w/ new form/$100K fees/waivers/DOL hikes/tech shifts (Amazon -34%, Nvidia +17%). Higher wages prioritized; prep alts/webinar for non-selects.