The present disclosure generally relates to a method for processing optical fibers supported by a multi-fiber ferrule. The method can include laser cutting first and second rows of optical fibers in a first fiber cutting step by directing a laser beam in a first direction relative to the ferrule. The laser beam can cut the second row of optical fibers to a first fiber extension length and cut the first row of optical fibers to a second fiber extension length. The method can also include laser cutting the first row of optical fibers by directing a laser beam in a second direction relative to the multi-fiber ferrule. The laser beam cuts the first row of optical fibers to the first fiber extension length and by-passes the second row of optical fibers such that optical fibers of the second row of optical fibers remain at the first fiber extension length.