The short answer
H-1B status is granted for up to three years at a time, with a general limit of six years. Your employer files an extension petition before your status ends. You can stay longer than six years in some cases linked to a green card process.
What to know
- The employer files a new petition and wage-approved form, and you stay in the same job or an approved one.
- Employers can file up to six months before the end date.
- Time spent outside the U.S. may be added back to your six years.
- After six years, you can often extend if a green card process is already underway, such as a labor certification or an approved petition.
For the exact rules, forms and fees, see USCIS.
Visa Status is an unofficial site. This is general information in plain words, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change, so check the official website and your own papers. Written October 2026.