Due to the complexity and various types of the H-1B petitions (New, Extension, Consular Notification and Portability) the record should be submitted to the Office of International Affairs six months in advance of the intended start date of the H-1B petition, whether or not it is for an extension or new employment. Petitions submitted to the Office of International Affairs with requested start dates less than six months into the future will likely need to be changed and/or may result in the foreign national needing to leave the United States and be terminated on their current status end date.