USCIS Replaces H-1B Lottery with Salary-Based Selection

WASHINGTON - USCIS just announced on January 7th that the annual H-1B cap lottery process will be replaced with a salary-based selection process. The final rule has been published and will come into effect in 60 days. read announcement

Under the new rule,H-1B cap visas will be allocated according to wage levels, giving priority to those earning the highest salaries in their respective occupations and geographic areas of employment.

In effect, the H-1B cap visas would be awarded first to beneficiaries in the highest level of the four wage categories(Level 4), then to those Level 3 and so no, until the annual quota of 85,000 has been met.

USCIS believes the new rule "will incentivize employers to offer higher salaries, and/or petition for higher-skilled positions". read full announcement