A significant improvement has been seen in the H-1B visa lottery this year, with selection rates in some cases reaching as high as 75%.
According to a report by Bloomberg Law, the selection rate was previously around 33%, but has increased due to a notable decline in the number of applications. This change is largely attributed to policy shifts introduced during the administration of Donald Trump.
In 2026, US companies experienced a clear rise in selection rates for skilled foreign workers under this visa program. Unlike previous years when chances were declining, approval rates exceeded 50% in many cases and even reached 75% in some instances.
Major immigration firms and organizations also reported higher success rates in the specialty occupation visa program. Previously, selection chances were close to one-third (33%), but this year many institutions reported rates above 50%.
Candidates with higher salaries and master’s degrees saw even better outcomes, with some cases exceeding a 75% selection rate.
Why did selection rates increase?
Experts say this increase is not coincidental but the result of policy changes. A weighted lottery system was introduced, giving preference to candidates with higher salaries and experience. However, the biggest factor is the significant drop in total applications.
One major reason behind this decline is the imposition of a $100,000 fee on hiring new H-1B workers from outside the US. This high cost has made international hiring expensive and difficult, leading sectors such as universities and hospitals to nearly stop overseas recruitment.
Technology companies and other businesses subject to the annual visa cap have also largely avoided sponsoring foreign workers. As a result, the number of lottery registrations has dropped significantly.
According to estimates by a law firm, applications this year ranged between 195,000 and 335,000 — a decrease of up to 43% compared to last year, and the lowest level since 2020. In comparison, applications had exceeded 750,000 just three years ago.
