I am in F1 visa status, when can I apply for a H1B visa?

Applying for an H-1B visa involves several important timelines and steps. Here’s a detailed guide on when and how to apply:

When to Apply

1. Annual Cap and Registration Period:

• H-1B Cap: There is an annual cap of 65,000 H-1B visas, with an additional 20,000 visas for applicants with a U.S. master's degree or higher (the master's cap).
• Electronic Registration: Employers must first complete an electronic registration process for each potential H-1B worker. This registration period usually opens in early March for about two weeks.

2. Fiscal Year:

• The H-1B visa application process follows the U.S. government's fiscal year, which begins on October 1. The earliest date you can start working on an H-1B visa is October 1 of the fiscal year for which you are applying.
• Six Months in Advance: USCIS allows petition submissions up to six months before the employment start date. This means that for an October 1 start date, you can file the petition starting April 1.
• • March: Complete the electronic registration with USCIS.
• • April 1: If selected in the lottery, you can start filing the H-1B petition with USCIS.
• • October 1: You can start working on your H-1B visa from October 1 or the date specified in the approval notice, whichever is later.