L1+H1 -Maximum years??

[balasubram]

Hi,
I was in L1 from 2002-2006 and later got transferred to H1 the same year and am continuing.
Can i stay for another 6 complete years as H1? or does my 4 years in L1 count too? I am confused..

 

[GotPR?]

You have 2 more years.

 

[balasubram]

thanks

thanks for the reply. my one year in H1 is over. if i go back to india or canada or australia or uk for one year and then can i return to the same employer and continue my rest 5 years? or is there any minimum limit of stay in H1? or should i get a fresh H1?

 

[manwithnoname]

Generally a new H-1B (subject to quota) is required, however, talk to your lawyer, whether you can use the existing H-1B if that remains valid during your absence.

 

[GotPR?]

thanks for the reply. my one year in H1 is over. if i go back to india or canada or australia or uk for one year and then can i return to the same employer and continue my rest 5 years? or is there any minimum limit of stay in H1? or should i get a fresh H1?

If you left the US with one year remaining on your H1, and was out of the US for more than a year, you have 2 choices. i.e. Using up the remaining time(one year) when you come next time, or you file the new H1 subject to quota(6 years).