Planning ahead for the H1B FY2028 lottery (for October 2028 start) gives you a critical advantage. Here is what to expect and how to prepare.
**Expected FY2028 timeline:** - Registration opens: ~March 1, 2028 - Registration window: ~2 weeks - Selection notifications: Late March 2028 - Petition filing deadline: June 30, 2028 - H1B start date: October 1, 2028
**Volume prediction:** Registration volumes have ranged from 308,000 (FY2023) to 780,000 (FY2024, impacted by fraud). After USCIS implemented beneficiary-level uniqueness rules in FY2023 to combat duplicate registrations, volumes stabilized around 470,000–520,000. FY2028 is projected at 490,000–530,000 based on trend.
**Selection rate prediction:** With 85,000 slots and ~510,000 registrations: ~17% overall selection rate. Master's degree holders: ~32–36%.
**How to prepare NOW (12+ months out):** 1. Identify your employer — only registered USCIS employers can file registrations. New employers need to create USCIS accounts months in advance. 2. Gather educational credentials — USCIS credential evaluations for foreign degrees can take 2–4 weeks 3. Lock down your degree classification — if your foreign degree may qualify as US Master's equivalent, get evaluation done early 4. Build alternative pathways — OPT STEM extension if eligible, cap-exempt opportunities as backup 5. Consider O-1A filing readiness — if you can build credentials (publications, grants, awards) before March 2028, O-1A avoids the lottery entirely
**If FY2028 is your last OPT attempt:** After 36 months of STEM OPT (3 lottery attempts), you must leave the US or find alternative status. Build your contingency plan before this becomes urgent.