Does a master's degree improve H-1B lottery odds?

Yes — U.S. master's holders get two draws: the 20,000 advanced-degree exemption first, then the 65,000 regular cap. But wage weighting applies in both draws, so a low wage level still hurts. Toggle the master's option in the calculator to see combined odds.

How accurate is the salary-to-wage-level estimate?

It is a rough national estimate. Your actual OEWS wage level is determined by your specific SOC occupation code and worksite geographic area — the same salary can be Level II in one city and Level I in another. Confirm with your employer or immigration attorney.

Can negotiating a higher salary really improve my lottery odds?

Yes — crossing a wage-level threshold is the highest-leverage move. Moving from the top of Level I to the bottom of Level II doubles your lottery entries (1→2). The calculator's boost box shows exactly how much more you'd need and the odds jump.

H-1B Lottery Odds Calculator 2028

Q: How are H-1B lottery odds calculated?

Under the wage-weighted system (effective February 2026), each registration gets 1–4 lottery entries based on its OEWS wage level. DHS projects ~15% selection for Level I, ~31% for Level II, ~46% for Level III, and ~61% for Level IV.

What are your H-1B lottery chances? Enter your offered salary below — the calculator estimates your wage level, shows your projected selection odds under the wage-weighted system, and tells you exactly how much more salary you'd need to reach the next level.

Since February 2026, USCIS no longer draws names randomly: Level IV filings get 4 lottery entries, Level I gets just 1. DHS projects selection rates from ~15% (Level I) to ~61% (Level IV).

Your offered annual salary$130,000

$60K$300K

Estimated wage level: Level II (Qualified)

Rough estimate based on national H-1B salary distribution. Your actual level depends on your SOC occupation code and worksite area.

Or pick your wage level directly:

I hold a U.S. master's degree or higherEligible for the 20,000 advanced-degree exemption draw first

Your projected H-1B lottery odds

31%

Level II (Qualified)

2 lottery entries

💡 Boost your odds

Negotiate $15,000 more (to $145,000) and you'd move to Level III — jumping from 31% to 46% odds.

Compare all levels

Salary-to-level mapping is a rough national estimate. Your actual OEWS wage level is determined by your SOC occupation code and worksite geographic area — consult your employer or attorney. Odds projections from DHS (Dec 2025 final rule). Educational estimate only, not legal advice.

Calculator FAQs

How are H-1B lottery odds calculated?

Each registration gets 1–4 entries by OEWS wage level. DHS projects ~15% (Level I), ~31% (Level II), ~46% (Level III), ~61% (Level IV) selection rates.

How accurate is the salary-to-level estimate?

Rough national estimate only. Your real level depends on SOC code and worksite area — the same salary can be Level II in one metro and Level I in another. Confirm with your employer or attorney.

Can a higher salary really improve my odds?

Yes — crossing a wage-level threshold doubles (or more) your entries. The boost box above shows your personal number. Also explore top H-1B sponsors to find employers whose filings skew toward higher wage levels.

Want the full breakdown?

Our in-depth guide covers registration dates, fees, anti-gaming rules, and 7 strategies to maximize your odds — all grounded in 2M+ real DOL filing records.

Read the H-1B Lottery 2028 Guide →