How are the six years of H status calculated?

[cdza1971]

I have a query regarding my H1B status.
I understand that in this status, I can work for a total of six years in the United States.
I query is : How are the six years calculated?

I currently have two petitions for the companies I worked for on H1B :
The first was by company A valid from 01/26/2004 to 09/20/2006
The second was by company B valid from 03/15/2005 to 02/13/2008

I have worked in the US from September 1, 2004 to Oct 23, 2006 on H1B status
I was out of the country from Oct 23, 2006 to July 18, 2007
I have been on H4 status since July 19, 2007.

How many years (out of 6 years allowed) have I used up?

Thanks in advance

 

[innovative]

Which H1 did you work on in the period - I have worked in the US from September 1, 2004 to Oct 23, 2006 on H1B status?

6 years of H1 are calculated from the day you entered in United States on a H1 visa.

If you stayed outside united states for more than 365 days and re-entered the country on a new H1-B then it is considered a fresh start.

In all other cases it is counted as part of your 6-yr period.

 

[great guru]

z

Which H1 did you work on in the period - I have worked in the US from September 1, 2004 to Oct 23, 2006 on H1B status?

6 years of H1 are calculated from the day you entered in United States on a H1 visa.

If you stayed outside united states for more than 365 days and re-entered the country on a new H1-B (Under Quota) then it is considered a fresh start.

In all other cases it is counted as part of your 6-yr period.