What are H1-B Wage Levels? Guide and Facts

H-1B wage levels are important to understand, especially for international students looking to obtain an H-1B visa. Interstride has created a guide that can help you understand what H1-B wage levels are and how they can impact of chances of winning the H1-B lottery. The Department of Homeland Security’s proposed rule modifies the lottery to prioritize higher-paid and higher-skilled workers, effective February 27, 2026 and will be in place for the FY 2027 H-1B cap registration season. More information on this process can be found on the USCIS’s website.

Who should use this resource?

International students and alumni who are looking for long term employment in the United States and who will be applying for a H1-B work visa sponsorship through their employer. Cap exempt employers (higher education institutions, non-profit research institutions, non-profits connected to higher education institutions) do not need to apply to the lottery.

Why it is helpful?

Finding out about H1-B wage requirements can be helpful for students to understand their changes of winning the lottery but also to ensure that students get paid fairly regarding their level of education and experience for that specific role.