Figure 2: The weighted lottery and new wage levels would eliminate the H-1B wage gap, rendering the fee unnecessary

Estimated average wage gap between H-1B and native-born American workers, based on Borjas (August 2026) and simulations using FY2022-2024 I-129 petitions

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Note: Results from 100 simulations of different H-1B allocation and wage-level systems. FY2021 data are excluded due to COVID-specific irregularities in H-1B application volume and OEWS wages needed to derive new wage levels.

Source: Bloomberg, FY2022-2024 I-129 petitions. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (OEWS). Borjas (August, 2026).