Trump Administration Replaces H-1B Visa Lottery with Wage-Based Selection

The Department of Homeland Security published a final rule replacing the random H-1B visa lottery with a “weighted selection process” that favors higher-paid workers. Effective February 27, 2026, registrations will be entered multiple times based on wage level: Level IV wages (4 entries), Level III (3 entries), Level II (2 entries), Level I (1 entry).

Critics warned this would disadvantage international students and recent graduates entering entry-level positions, effectively pricing out younger workers regardless of skills. Earlier in 2025, Trump also imposed a $100,000 fee for H-1B applications. The rule represents a fundamental shift from a merit-neutral to a wealth-based immigration system.