How soon after approval can I start working?

The answer is not a fixed number of days after approval. You may begin working on the authorized start date listed in your H-1B, not simply on the date the petition is approved. That date is what governs, even if the approval notice arrives well in advance.

For petitions subject to the annual cap, the start date is typically the beginning of the fiscal year, October 1. So if your approval notice shows that date, that is when you are authorized to begin your activities, subject to the conditions described in the notice.

There is an extra consideration for those already in the United States under another status or who have requested a change of status: you must wait for that change to take effect, as indicated by USCIS, before starting work. Beginning employment before the authorized date is a violation of immigration rules and can lead to serious complications.

If you have any doubt about your exact start date, rely on what is stated in your approval notice and confirm the details with USCIS or a trusted immigration specialist. Be cautious of any offers that claim to move up that date.

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.