H-1B VISA SERVICES
H-1B Visa Services – 2026
Lottery registration, transfer, extension, amendment and employer compliance support.
The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Bay Area Immigration Services assists candidates and employers with structured preparation of H-1B petitions including lottery registration, transfers, extensions and amendments.
Who Can Apply?
- Employer sponsorship
- Specialized job role
- Relevant degree or experience
H-1B Lottery Process
Starting March 4, 2026, the H-1B selection process moved from a random lottery to a wage-weighted system prioritizing higher salary positions.
Higher wage roles receive more entries in the selection pool, increasing their probability of selection.
Annual cap includes 65,000 regular and 20,000 U.S. master’s quota.
Get Lottery HelpH-1B Weighted Lottery System (2026 Update)
- What changed in 2026
- Why salary matters now
- Wage level system
- Impact on applicants
- Strategy to improve selection probability
How to Improve Your Chances in the H-1B 2026 Weighted Lottery
Old vs New H-1B Lottery System
See how the H-1B lottery has changed from a random selection to a wage-weighted process.
- SelectionRandom
- PriorityNone
- Entries1 per Registration
- StrategyPure Luck
- SelectionWage Weighted
- PriorityHigher Salaries
- EntriesUp to 4 Entries
- StrategySalary + Skill
H-1B Transfer
Key Points
- Start after receipt notice
- Status must remain valid
- 60-day grace may apply
Start H-1B Transfer Review
H-1B Extension
Eligibility
- Up to 6-year limit
- 365+ day PERM/I-140
- I-140 backlog benefit
Check Extension Eligibility
H-1B Amendment
Required When
- Job duties change
- Worksite changes
- Major salary update
Review Amendment Requirement
Concurrent H-1B
Overview
- Multiple employers allowed
- Separate petitions required
- Specialty occupation needed
Explore Concurrent Filing
H-1B Withdrawal
Why Important
- Stops wage liability
- Maintains compliance
- Starts grace timeline
Request Withdrawal Assistance
Get Expert Help for H-1B Visa Filing
Our H-1B Case Preparation Process
We structure every H-1B case strategically before submission to minimize RFEs, delays, and compliance risks.
Case Evaluation
Detailed review of candidate profile, job role, employer structure, and eligibility criteria.
Documentation Strategy
Preparation of LCA support file, specialty occupation positioning, and wage compliance analysis.
Petition Structuring
Strong legal drafting, employer support letters, project documentation, and compliance alignment.
Final Review & Filing
Multi-level quality check to reduce errors before submission to USCIS.
H-1B Annual Timeline
Early preparation improves readiness.
Common Reasons H-1B Petitions Face RFEs or Denials
Understanding these risk factors early can help strengthen your filing strategy.
Speak With Our H-1B Case Team
Understanding your case structure before filing helps reduce delays and compliance risks.
Whether your case involves:
Filing through the H-1B lottery process
Transferring to a new employer
Extending your current H-1B status
Amending your role or work location
Managing concurrent H-1B employment
Bay Area Immigration Services
Note: Immigration documentation preparation and case support services. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice or representation. Final determinations are made by USCIS or U.S. consulates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lottery System
What Changed in 2026
The H-1B selection process shifted from a random lottery to a wage-weighted system that prioritizes higher salary positions.
Why Salary Matters Now
Higher wage offers increase the chances of selection because the new system favors skilled roles with competitive salaries.
Wage Level System
The Department of Labor wage levels are now used to prioritize H-1B petitions. Higher wage levels receive stronger preference.
Impact on Applicants
Applicants with specialized roles and higher wages may have a higher probability of selection compared to lower wage petitions.
Strategy to Improve Selection Probability
Applicants should work with employers to ensure accurate wage levels and strong job classifications.
How to Improve Your Chances in the H-1B 2026 Weighted Lottery
- Choosing the right occupation level
- Employer wage strategy
- Advanced degree advantage
- Correct SOC classification
- Multiple legitimate employers (if applicable)
- L1 → H1B strategy
