Start date delayed

This status usually means hiring remains active, but onboarding timing shifted from the original plan.

Last updated: 2026-02-22

Also seen as: start date delayed, delayed start date

Definition

Start date delayed usually means the confirmed or expected start date moved later due to operational or approval factors.

What’s usually happening behind the scenes

Teams may be adjusting onboarding schedules, system access, or internal staffing timelines.

Why it stays in this status

Dependency delays across HR, hiring teams, and operations commonly extend start dates.

How long it usually lasts

It often lasts a few days to a few weeks, depending on the reason for delay.

What usually doesn’t help

Frequent urgent follow-ups usually do not remove upstream process dependencies.

When action might make sense

If documents, approvals, or onboarding steps remain unchanged beyond the timeline you were given, a concise follow-up is often reasonable after several business days to about one week.

Related statuses

• Background check cleared, waiting
• Background check pending
• Job offer rescinded
• Offer accepted but no start date

Disclaimer

This page is general informational guidance and may not reflect every employer process or system behavior.