El USCIS cambia la lotería H-1B por una selección basada en el salario

Kris Quadros-Ragar • January 15, 2026

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El Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos (USCIS por sus siglas en inglés) ha anunciado un cambio importante en el proceso de selección del límite de visas H-1B. Según una norma definitiva publicada el 29 de diciembre de 2025, el USCIS sustituirá el tradicional sorteo aleatorio de visas H-1B por un sistema de selección ponderado por salarios que favorece los puestos mejor remunerados y más complejos.


Está previsto que la norma entre en vigor el 27 de febrero de 2026, justo antes de la temporada de registro de visados H-1B para el año fiscal 2027, a menos que se retrase por impugnaciones legales. Si se aplica, se espera que el USCIS publique directrices adicionales en las que se explique cómo deben presentar los empleadores las solicitudes de registro según el proceso revisado.


Este cambio supone una de las reformas más significativas del programa H-1B en los últimos años. Hasta 2025, todas las inscripciones se trataban por igual una vez alcanzado el límite anual. Con el nuevo sistema, las probabilidades de selección estarán vinculadas a los niveles salariales basados en los datos de las estadísticas de empleo y salarios ocupacionales del Departamento de Trabajo de los Estados Unidos. Todas las inscripciones H-1B seguirán colocándose en un único grupo de selección, pero las inscripciones vinculadas a niveles salariales más altos recibirán múltiples entradas en ese grupo, lo que aumentará sus probabilidades de selección. Los niveles salariales más bajos recibirán menos entradas, lo que hará que la selección sea menos probable, pero no imposible.


Los niveles salariales H-1B no se determinan únicamente por el sueldo. Cada nivel salarial refleja la complejidad del trabajo, el nivel de responsabilidad que implica y la formación y experiencia requeridas. Los puestos de nivel inicial que implican tareas rutinarias y una estrecha supervisión se clasifican generalmente en el nivel salarial más bajo, mientras que los puestos que requieren juicio independiente, habilidades avanzadas y una responsabilidad significativa se clasifican en niveles salariales más altos. El nivel salarial más alto se reserva para los puestos que implican conocimientos especializados, toma de decisiones estratégicas y una autoridad técnica o de liderazgo sustancial.


Se espera que el USCIS examine minuciosamente las solicitudes seleccionadas para garantizar que el nivel salarial declarado durante el registro se corresponda con las funciones del puesto y el salario ofrecido en la solicitud. Cualquier discrepancia entre el registro y la solicitud puede dar lugar a solicitudes de pruebas, denegaciones o medidas coercitivas.


Con la eliminación del sorteo puramente aleatorio, los empleadores deben comenzar a prepararse con antelación evaluando cuidadosamente las descripciones de los puestos de trabajo, los niveles salariales y la estrategia general para los visados H-1B. Una clasificación precisa y una planificación cuidadosa serán esenciales en este nuevo sistema de selección basado en los salarios.


Si usted es un empleador que está considerando patrocinar una visa H-1B, o un profesional extranjero que se pregunta si su puesto puede calificar bajo el nuevo sistema basado en salarios, consultar con un abogado con experiencia en inmigración es más importante que nunca. Santos Lloyd Law está asesorando activamente a sus clientes sobre los registros y la estrategia para el límite de visas H-1B bajo las nuevas reglas. Para discutir sus opciones o determinar si usted puede calificar, comuníquese con nuestra oficina para programar una consulta.

Este blog no pretende ser una asesoría legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información que aquí lea.

Kris Quadros-Ragar

USCIS Changes H-1B Lottery to Wage-Based Selection

By Kris Quadros-Ragar • January 15, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major change to the H-1B cap selection process. Under a final rule issued on December 29, 2025, USCIS will replace the long-standing random H-1B lottery with a wage-weighted selection system that favors higher-paid and more complex positions. The rule is scheduled to take effect on February 27, 2026 , just ahead of the fiscal year 2027 H-1B cap registration season, unless delayed by legal challenges. If implemented, USCIS is expected to release additional guidance explaining how employers must submit registrations under the revised process. This change marks one of the most significant reforms to the H-1B program in recent years. Up until 2025, all registrations were treated equally once the annual cap was reached. Under the new system, selection odds will be tied to wage levels based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. All H-1B registrations will still be placed into a single selection pool, but registrations tied to higher wage levels will receive multiple entries into that pool, increasing their likelihood of selection. Lower wage levels will receive fewer entries, making selection less likely but not impossible. H-1B wage levels are not determined solely by salary. Each wage level reflects the complexity of the job, the level of responsibility involved, and the education and experience required . Entry-level positions involving routine duties and close supervision are generally classified at the lowest wage level, while positions requiring independent judgment, advanced skills, and significant responsibility fall into higher wage levels. The highest wage level is reserved for roles that involve expert knowledge, strategic decision-making, and substantial leadership or technical authority. USCIS is expected to closely scrutinize selected petitions to ensure that the wage level claimed during registration is supported by the job duties and salary offered in the petition. Any discrepancies between the registration and the petition may result in requests for evidence, denials, or enforcement action. With the elimination of the purely random lottery, employers should begin preparing early by carefully evaluating job descriptions, wage levels, and overall H-1B strategy. Accurate classification and thoughtful planning will be essential under this new wage-based selection system. If you are an employer considering H-1B sponsorship, or a foreign professional wondering whether your position may qualify under the new wage-based system, consulting with experienced immigration counsel is more important than ever. Santos Lloyd Law is actively advising clients on H-1B cap registrations and strategy under the new rules. To discuss your options or determine whether you may qualify, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Increase in issuance of EB-1A RFEs

By April Perez • January 9, 2026
During the recent administration there has been an increase in issuance of Requests for Evidence for EB-1A petitions for those of Extraordinary Ability. A Request for Evidence is a request that is made by USCIS that should explain how the evidence is deficient in proving the criteria argued and what additional evidence needs to be provided by the applicant to meet the criteria. EB-1A petitions are already normally subject to higher scrutiny because their approval is the first step needed to apply for Lawful Permanent Residence or a green card. USCIS normally requires not just evidence but that the evidence be provided with context and information to show why it matters in a particular field. For example, if you were providing evidence of your membership in an organization that requires outstanding achievements of its members, just providing evidence of the membership is not enough. You must explain what that membership is and provide background information on the organization granting the membership. You also need to provide evidence on the criteria that is used to select the members, information on those who select the members to show that they are recognized experts, other documentation such as articles about the membership organization to show its importance, and any other relevant evidence and background information to show that the criteria is met. A request for evidence being issued prior to the current administration was not uncommon, but in the current climate it is more surprising to not receive a request for evidence for this type of case. It is important to remember that a request for evidence is not a denial. Depending on the validity of the information in the request and the substance some Requests for Evidence can be overcome, and the case be approved. It is important to carefully review the request and note if there are any errors in the content and application of the regulations by USCIS. If you have an attorney, you should work with them and make sure that you provide any evidence you think may be helpful. Although there is a deadline by which a response must be submitted, attention to detail and patience will go a long way when dealing with having to respond to a request for evidence.  If you believe you may qualify for this type of visa, please feel free to contact our office.

The F-1 Student Visa

By Joseph Lennarz • November 20, 2025
Once you have connected with a college program, have been admitted to the school, and deemed eligible to compete athletically, you will need to secure an F-1 student visa in order to actually attend your new college and begin your time as a student athlete. The first step in the visa process is to receive your Form I-2
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