Are there priority dates for the H-1B?

The H-1B visa is one of the options that allows highly skilled foreign professionals to work in the United States. It is highly sought after each year, and therefore, there are well-defined rules regarding the start of the process and the period during which applications are accepted.

In the case of the H-1B, there are no ”priority dates” as seen in some immigration processes for permanent residency (green card). Instead, there is a well-structured timeline established by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Typically, petitions are submitted in April, and if the number of applications exceeds the available quota, a lottery is conducted to select the candidates who may proceed with the process. After selection, the work benefit usually begins in October of the same year.

It is important to always pay attention to official USCIS announcements, as deadlines and rules may vary from year to year. Besides monitoring these changes, it is essential to strictly comply with U.S. immigration laws and avoid falling for scams or miraculous promises that guarantee results.

Seeking information from reliable sources and, if necessary, relying on specialized consulting can help better understand the process and prepare your application properly, without taking unnecessary risks. This way, you will be safer and better informed about the details of the H-1B visa and the established deadlines.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.