4) H-1B Path (The Lottery You Must Win)

The H-1B is the most common path from student to long-term worker in America. It's also a lottery—literally. With 85,000 visas and 400,000+ applicants, your odds are around 20-25%. But starting in 2026, the lottery is wage-weighted, meaning higher-paid workers get more entries. This section teaches you how to maximize your chances and what to do if you don't win.

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Understand H-1B fundamentals (know the game)

There are two types of H-1B: cap-subject (private companies, limited to 85,000 per year) and cap-exempt (universities, research institutions—no lottery required). Starting in 2026, the lottery is wage-weighted: a Level 4 wage job gets 4 lottery entries while Level 1 gets only 1. Your job must be a 'specialty occupation' requiring a specific bachelor's degree. A generic 'business degree preferred' job won't qualify. The more specific your degree requirement, the stronger your case. Keep your transcripts and degree evaluation ready.

4) H-1B Path (The Lottery You Must Win)

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