Are there priority dates for the H-1B?

No. The H-1B does not use priority dates, which are typical of permanent residence processes such as the green card. Instead, it follows an annual calendar set by the USCIS.

In practice, the process generally works as follows:

• There is an annual window during which petitions subject to the cap can be filed.
• When the number of registrations exceeds the available cap, USCIS conducts a lottery to select who may proceed.
• After selection and approval, work authorization takes effect at the start of the following cycle.

Because the exact dates, lottery mechanics, and rules can change from year to year, it is essential to follow official USCIS announcements to know when and how to register for the current cycle.

Preparing your documentation in advance and relying on trustworthy guidance helps you avoid missing the filing window and steer clear of scams that promise to circumvent the lottery.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.