H-1B Lottery Odds for Research Scientists in District of Columbia
FY2027 estimated selection probability · SOC 19-1042
Estimated selection odds
52%
Why Level 4 - Fully Competent in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia is a high-cost-of-living state. The typical Research Scientist salary here is around $160,000, which places this role at Level 4 - Fully Competent (67th+ percentile of prevailing wages) based on District of Columbia's prevailing wage thresholds.
Under USCIS's weighted selection system, Level 4 - Fully Competent registrations receive a 3.7x selection weight compared to Level 1 entry wages. This translates to an estimated 52% base selection rate.
District of Columbia wage thresholds (all occupations avg.)
≤ $70,000
≤ $103,000
≤ $147,000
> $147,000
What if you have a US Master's degree?
Without Master's
52%
Regular pool only
With US Master's
79.3%
Two pools (+27.3%)
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 Research Scientists in District of Columbia a 27.3 percentage point boost.
How District of Columbia compares for Research Scientists
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.
District of Columbia
$160,000 · Level 4 - Fully Competent
52%
California
$160,000 · Level 4 - Fully Competent
52%
Texas
$120,000 · Level 4 - Fully Competent
52%
Illinois
$120,000 · Level 3 - Experienced
38%
Ohio
$120,000 · Level 4 - Fully Competent
52%
Tips for Research Scientists in District of Columbia
- ›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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