In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the critical differences between filing your H-1B petition in March versus April. Understanding these distinctions can significantly impact your application’s success and timing.
| Feature | Filing in March | Filing in April |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Period | March 7–24, 2025 | April 1–30, 2025 |
| Lottery Selection Notification | By March 31, 2025 | By April 30, 2025 |
| Petition Filing Period | April 1–June 30, 2025 | May 1–June 30, 2025 |
| Processing Times | Potentially shorter due to earlier submission | Standard processing times apply |
| Employer Considerations | Prepare for early start dates; potential for earlier approval | Wait for lottery results before filing full petitions; standard preparation time |
| Employee Considerations | Earlier employment start dates; potential for earlier approval | More time to prepare for potential selection; standard start dates |
Filing your H-1B petition in March offers several advantages:
– **Early Registration**: By registering between March 7 and 24, 2025, you position your application early in the selection process.
– **Potential for Early Approval**: With selections announced by March 31, 2025, employers can initiate the petition filing period starting April 1, 2025. ([uscis.gov](https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/fy-2026-h-1b-cap-initial-registration-period-opens-on-march-7?utm_source=openai))
– **Shorter Processing Times**: Early submission may lead to quicker processing, allowing for an earlier start date.
– **Preparation Time**: Employers must be ready to file full petitions promptly after selection notifications.
– **Uncertainty**: There’s a risk of not being selected in the lottery, which could delay hiring plans.
Opting to file in April provides a different set of considerations:
– **Waiting for Lottery Results**: By registering between April 1 and 30, 2025, employers can wait for selection notifications before proceeding with full petitions.
– **Standard Preparation Time**: Employers have more time to prepare and ensure all documentation is accurate.
– **Later Start Dates**: Selections announced by April 30, 2025, mean the petition filing period begins May 1, 2025, potentially delaying employment start dates.
– **Standard Processing Times**: Processing times may be longer due to the later submission.
– **March**: March 7–24, 2025
– **April**: April 1–30, 2025
– **March**: By March 31, 2025
– **April**: By April 30, 2025
– **March**: April 1–June 30, 2025
– **April**: May 1–June 30, 2025
– **March**: Potentially shorter due to earlier submission
– **April**: Standard processing times apply
– **March**: Prepare for early start dates; potential for earlier approval
– **April**: Wait for lottery results before filing full petitions; standard preparation time
– **March**: Earlier employment start dates; potential for earlier approval
– **April**: More time to prepare for potential selection; standard start dates
Your choice between March and April filing depends on your specific circumstances:
– **Best for Employers Seeking Early Start Dates**: If you’re prepared to move quickly and can accommodate an earlier start date, filing in March may be advantageous.
– **Best for Employers Preferring to Wait for Lottery Results**: If you prefer to wait for selection notifications before proceeding, filing in April offers more time to prepare.
| Category | Filing in March | Filing in April |
|———————————-|—————–|—————–|
| **Best for Employers Seeking Early Start Dates** | ✓ | |
| **Best for Employers Preferring to Wait for Lottery Results** | | ✓ |
| **Best Value** | | |
Choosing between filing your H-1B petition in March or April hinges on your readiness to proceed and your preference for timing. March filing offers the potential for earlier start dates and processing, while April filing provides more time to prepare and wait for lottery results. Assess your organization’s needs and resources to make the best decision.
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The primary distinction lies in the timing of the application process. In March, employers must register each beneficiary electronically through the USCIS online system and pay the associated registration fee. If selected in the lottery, employers can then file the complete H1B petition starting April 1. Therefore, March is dedicated to registration, while April marks the beginning of petition filing for selected candidates. ([uscis.gov](https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations/h-1b-electronic-registration-process?utm_source=openai))
For the fiscal year 2026, the H1B registration period opens on March 7, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET and closes on March 24, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET. Employers must submit electronic registrations and pay the $215 registration fee per beneficiary during this window. Selections are typically conducted by March 31, 2025. For those selected, the petition filing period begins on April 1, 2025, and continues through June 30, 2025. ([nnuimmigration.com](https://www.nnuimmigration.com/h1b-electronic-registration-window-opens-march-7-2025/?utm_source=openai))
The registration fee for each beneficiary is $215. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid at the time of registration. ([nnuimmigration.com](https://www.nnuimmigration.com/h1b-electronic-registration-window-opens-march-7-2025/?utm_source=openai))
If the number of registrations exceeds the annual cap, USCIS conducts a random lottery to select beneficiaries. Employers are notified of their selection through their USCIS online accounts by March 31, 2025. Only those selected can proceed to file a full H1B petition. ([upcounsel.com](https://www.upcounsel.com/h-1b-visa-lottery?utm_source=openai))
For selected registrations, employers must file a complete H1B petition (Form I-129) with supporting documents, including a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor, proof of the candidate’s degree, and a job offer letter. ([galevisa.com](https://galevisa.com/blog/post/h1b-visa-2025-guide?utm_source=openai))
If you missed the March registration period, you generally cannot apply for an H1B visa for the upcoming fiscal year. However, certain employers, such as universities and nonprofit research organizations, may be exempt from the cap and can file H1B petitions at any time. ([galevisa.com](https://galevisa.com/blog/post/h1b-visa-2025-guide?utm_source=openai))
The earliest start date for H1B employment is October 1, 2025, which aligns with the beginning of the fiscal year 2026. Even if approved earlier, the H1B status becomes effective on this date. ([galevisa.com](https://galevisa.com/blog/post/h1b-visa-2025-guide?utm_source=openai))
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