H-1B Lottery Odds for Business Analysts in California
FY2027 estimated selection probability · SOC 13-1111
Estimated selection odds
38%
Why Level 3 - Experienced in California?
California is a high-cost-of-living state. The typical Business Analyst salary here is around $130,000, which places this role at Level 3 - Experienced (50th-67th percentile of prevailing wages) based on California's prevailing wage thresholds.
Under USCIS's weighted selection system, Level 3 - Experienced registrations receive a 2.7x selection weight compared to Level 1 entry wages. This translates to an estimated 38% base selection rate.
California wage thresholds (all occupations avg.)
≤ $75,000
≤ $110,000
≤ $155,000
> $155,000
What if you have a US Master's degree?
Without Master's
38%
Regular pool only
With US Master's
63.8%
Two pools (+25.8%)
With a US master's or higher, you enter the 20,000 advanced-degree pool first. If not selected there, you roll into the 65,000 regular cap pool. This compound probability gives Business Analysts in California a 25.8 percentage point boost.
How California compares for Business Analysts
The same occupation can have very different odds depending on where you work. Higher prevailing wages in expensive states mean your salary maps to a lower wage level, potentially reducing your odds.
California
$130,000 · Level 3 - Experienced
38%
New York
$130,000 · Level 3 - Experienced
38%
Texas
$95,000 · Level 3 - Experienced
38%
Illinois
$95,000 · Level 3 - Experienced
38%
Ohio
$95,000 · Level 3 - Experienced
38%
Tips for Business Analysts in California
- ›A higher offered salary could move you to Wage Level 4, significantly improving your odds.
- ›A US Master's degree gives you two chances: the 20,000 master's cap pool plus the 65,000 regular pool.
- ›Your wage level is strong. Focus on ensuring your employer files the registration correctly and on time.
- ›The lottery is annual. If not selected this year, you can re-enter next fiscal year.
Get notified when FY2027 results drop
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