H-1B FY2028 Lottery Guide
Planning ahead for the FY2028 H-1B lottery (starting October 1, 2027)? Registration opens in March 2027. Here is what to expect based on current trends and rules.
FY2028 H-1B Lottery Timeline
The H-1B fiscal year 2028 cap (65,000 regular cap + 20,000 advanced degree exemption) will be the lottery for October 1, 2027 start dates. USCIS typically opens electronic registration in the first two weeks of March 2027. Registration closes after 14 days. USCIS then conducts the lottery electronically, notifying selected registrants by late March. Selected employers have 90 days from notification to file the full I-129 petition.
FY2028 Lottery Odds Projection
H-1B lottery odds have stabilized at approximately 20-25% for regular cap registrations and 30-35% for advanced degree (US master's+) registrations based on FY2023-FY2026 trends. USCIS received approximately 470,000-480,000 registrations in FY2025-2026 for ~85,000 slots. Barring significant policy changes, FY2028 odds are expected to be similar. The best way to increase odds: have multiple qualifying employers register (each employer can submit one registration per beneficiary).
Electronic Pre-Registration Process for FY2028
Since FY2021, USCIS has used electronic pre-registration (MyUSCIS accounts) rather than full petition filing during the lottery. Employers create an H-1B registrant account, submit basic beneficiary information (name, passport, degree), and pay the $215 registration fee per registration. If selected, USCIS issues a selection notice and the employer has 90 days to file the full I-129 petition. The registration system opens in early March and closes after approximately 14 days.
FY2028 Strategy: Maximizing Selection Chances
Key strategies for FY2028 selection: (1) Multiple employer registrations — each qualifying employer can register independently for the same beneficiary, increasing total selection probability (roughly additive), (2) Ensure advanced degree eligibility — if you have a US master's or higher, ensure the employer registers for the advanced degree exemption pool (separate selection lottery run first), (3) Cap-exempt alternatives — for workers who miss selection, target cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofits) for direct filing without lottery, (4) Register early — USCIS accepts registrations for the full window; registering on day 1 vs day 14 has no advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the FY2028 H-1B lottery registration open?
FY2028 H-1B lottery registration (for October 1, 2027 start dates) is expected to open in early March 2027, consistent with USCIS's recent pattern of opening the first business week of March. USCIS will announce the exact dates via its website and Subscriber Alerts. Monitor uscis.gov beginning in February 2027 for official dates.
What are the H-1B lottery odds for FY2028?
Based on FY2023-2026 data with 470,000-480,000 registrations for ~85,000 slots, projected FY2028 odds are approximately 18-22% for the regular cap pool and 28-35% for the advanced degree pool (US master's+). Note that multiple registrations from different employers each count as independent chances.
Can international students who graduate in 2027 apply for the FY2028 lottery?
Yes. F-1 students who graduate in May 2027 can have employers register them in the March 2027 FY2028 lottery. If selected, their H-1B starts October 1, 2027. During the gap (graduation → October 1), they work on OPT. STEM OPT can bridge gaps of up to 24 additional months if needed.
What changed in the H-1B lottery after FY2025 reforms?
The Biden administration implemented H-1B modernization regulations effective January 2025 that: (1) redefined 'employer-employee relationship' more clearly, (2) expanded cap-exempt eligibility, (3) clarified specialty occupation standards, (4) extended the grace period to 60 days (from 60). The Trump administration has proposed additional regulatory changes for FY2026-2028 — monitor USCIS regulatory announcements for the most current requirements before your registration period.