The Beginning and the End of the H-1

On April 1, 2013 we will begin filing the H-1 petitions for fiscal year 2013-2014. If approved, the H-1 status will start on October 1, 2013. There is a very good possibility that this year we will have more than 85,000 petitions filed on April 1, which will create a lottery as we have had in the past. Even if the entire quota of 85,000 is not used on April 1 it is almost certain to be gone within a few days or perhaps weeks at most.

The first step in the process, the LCA application, takes the Dept. of Labor about a week or so for approval. Since the H-1 petition cannot be filed without an approved LCA, it is imperative employers start the H-1 process as soon as possible. There are roughly five weeks or so before the April 1 deadline arrives. Also, April 1 falls this year on a Monday so arrangements must be made with FedEx or Express Mail for that Monday delivery.

If you have any questions, please contact us as soon as possible. The H-1 “season” this year is certain to be short and sweet!

Leave a Reply