When does the H-1B registration period open?

The H-1B registration period opens on a date set by USCIS each year, always in advance of the fiscal year to which the visas apply, which begins on October 1. For this reason, the window typically falls in the early months of the year.

The most important point is that this schedule can change from one cycle to the next. USCIS periodically adjusts the rules and dates of the process, so assuming the same window as the previous year carries real risk.

To avoid missing the deadline, the best approach is:

• follow official USCIS announcements about when the process opens;
• prepare your documentation in advance, since the registration window tends to be short;
• verify each step through official sources, and avoid anyone promising a guaranteed outcome.

Because exact dates vary, confirm the current calendar directly with USCIS or with a qualified specialist before making plans.

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.