H1-B - Period of Approval

[rafa.ntt]

Hello Guys, 

I Would like to know what period a H1B visa petition can be sent to the USCIS?

and if is it possible the USCIS approves petitions out of the lottery period (April)? 

Thanks for helping.

Rafael

[gopalakrishnach]

I think for new cap this year the window is already closed. I do not think they approve outside of lottery for new petitions.

[JoeF]

H1s that are subject to the quota can be filed up to 6 months before the fiscal year starts. The US fiscal year starts Oct. 1, which means H1s that are subject to the quota can be filed April 1 the earliest. Once the quota is full no such H1 can be filed until the next April. In recent years the quota has been filled within a week.

The quota for the 2020 fiscal year (which starts Oct. 1, 2019) is full, so a new H1 can be filed in April 2020 for a start date of Oct. 1, 2020.

[rafa.ntt]

Got it.

Thanks