H1B lottery timeline: what happens when

This guide explains the typical H1B cap season timeline in plain English. Exact dates change every year.

Quick timeline

• Registration opens (usually March)
• Selections announced
• Petitions filed (90-day window)
• Results + RFEs + approvals
• Start date (typically Oct 1)

What to do

1. Confirm your employer is ready to file quickly after selection.
2. Prepare documents early (education, passports, prior status).
3. Understand cap-gap if you are on F-1 OPT.

Not legal advice.