US Overhauls H-1B Lottery: High-Skilled, High-Paid Workers Prioritized from FY2027

• US H-1B lottery shifts from random to wage-weighted system, prioritizing higher-skilled, higher-paid workers.
• New rule by DHS and USCIS takes effect from FY2027, significantly impacting 70-75% Indian H-1B visa holders.
• Higher wage levels (IV, III, II, I) will receive more entries (4x, 3x, 2x, 1x) into the lottery.
• Aims to align with H-1B program's intent, reduce wage suppression, and prevent system manipulation.
• Tighter checks require employers to declare wage levels and locations, with USCIS having denial authority.

Why It Matters: US H-1B lottery now favors high-wage roles from FY2027, significantly impacting Indian professionals.