When does the H-1B fiscal year end?

The fiscal year used by the United States government does not coincide with the calendar year. It runs from October 1 through September 30 of the following year, and this calendar organizes a large part of federal processes, including those related to the H-1B.

In practice, this means the cycle ends on September 30 and a new fiscal year begins on October 1. For the H-1B, this calendar is the reference used in the counting and processing of petitions throughout the year.

Understanding this difference helps companies and professionals with planning, because deadlines and steps tend to be organized around the fiscal year rather than the calendar year. Preparing documentation in advance avoids last-minute rushes around cycle changeovers.

Since rules and operational windows can change, it is worth confirming the current calendar and procedures with USCIS or with a specialist before making decisions that depend on these dates.

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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.