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

The H-1B visa is an important resource for foreign professionals who wish to work in the United States, and understanding the particularities of the process can help avoid confusion. A common question concerns the difference between the fiscal year and the regular calendar year in the context of this visa.

Basically, the fiscal year for the H-1B does not coincide with the calendar year. While the calendar year runs from January to December, the United States fiscal year for this visa starts on October 1st and extends until September 30th of the following year. This means that although the selection and application process usually occurs at the beginning of the year (often in April), the approval and the start of the visa benefits are linked to the beginning of the new fiscal year, marked in October.

This time gap is important for all interested parties. For example, if your petition is approved in April, the H-1B visa status will only become effective starting in October. This interval between approval and effectiveness can raise questions, so it is always advisable to plan deadlines and stages carefully, observing the rules and changes in immigration law.

Finally, it is essential to strictly follow United States immigration laws, rely on trustworthy sources, and be cautious of possible scams or unfounded promises of guaranteed results by third parties. Seeking information responsibly and, when necessary, counting on support from official sources can make all the difference in the success of your process.

I hope this explanation helps clarify the importance of understanding this difference between the fiscal year and the calendar year in the H-1B process.

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.