What is the gap between the fiscal year and the calendar year for H-1B?

The gap exists because the United States government’s fiscal year does not coincide with the calendar year. The calendar year runs from January to December, but the federal fiscal year begins in the second half of the calendar year and extends for approximately twelve months. This misalignment is what tends to confuse those following the H-1B schedule.

The practical effect is a separation between two stages that many people assume happen simultaneously: the registration, selection, and petition filing phase occurs at one point in the year, while the work status tied to a given fiscal year can only begin when that new fiscal cycle starts. In other words, petition approval and the date the H-1B actually takes effect do not happen at the same time.

• The calendar year and the fiscal year follow different schedules.
• Selection and petition filing are at one end; the start of status is at the other.
• This interval between approval and taking effect is what creates the gap.

The exact registration windows and the start date of each cycle are defined and sometimes adjusted by the relevant authority, so it is not reliable to go by deadlines from previous years. Check the current schedule directly from the official source (USCIS) or with a specialist before planning a move, a contract start, or travel.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.