Immigration Nerds

Your hub for all immigration news, updates and discussions. Here we uncomplicate the complicated.

Author: Erickson Immigration Group

EIG is a leading corporate immigration law firm, providing comprehensive business immigration, global migration, and compliance solutions that enable companies to hire the best and brightest talent worldwide. Founded in 1987 and immigration practice started in 1998, EIG has over 25 years of experience delivering its signature 'Perfect Plus' service dedicated legal teams offering remarkable results, clear communication, innovative technology systems, and the highest level of information and data security. EIG partners with clients to "get to yes."
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End of the H-1B Lottery: Understanding Wage-Weighted Selection
Episode 244
Friday, 16 January, 2026

The H-1B program just underwent its most significant structural change in decades. On December 29, 2025, DHS issued a final rule replacing the random H-1B lottery with a wage-weighted selection system—and it takes effect February 27, just before the fiscal year 2027 cap registration season opens in March.Immigration Nerds host Lauren Clarke sits down with EIG's newest partner Naïanka Rigaud to break down exactly how this weighted system works. They explore the complex legal analysis behind wage level determinations, what the 48% decrease in selection probability means for Level 1 registrants versus the 107% increase for Level 4 candidates, and why simply earning a high salary doesn't guarantee a higher wage level classification.From geographic wage disparities to potential compliance pitfalls, Lauren and Naïanka cover what employers and foreign workers need to understand right now—including the possibility that registration infrastructure might not be ready, potentially reverting to full petition submissions. This is essential listening for anyone navigating H-1B cap season 2027.GUEST: Naïanka Rigaud, EIG PartnerHOST: Lauren Clarke NEWS NERD: Rob Taylor PRODUCER: Adam Belmar