What are the criteria for H1 Visa extension?

[whatshisnameb]

Hello All,

Reg. the total 6 year period, Does it relate to Total number of years actually stayed in US?

Or is it for the total number of years having a L+H visa/status.

Could you please help with any information you have.

-----

I am a bit confused about the extension criteria. Based on the info below, could you please comment or provide some information.

Details (Long version):

--- I had a L1 Visa Issued on: 27 Feb 2007. It was valid till 15 Feb 2010

--- I landed in US on 7 Sep 2007 and left on: 7 Aug 2008.

--- With the same L1 visa, for my 2nd Trip to US, I landed on 6 Mar 2009 and was on L1 Status in US till Sep 30, 2011.

--- H1B COS (Change of Status) was Approved from Oct 1 2011. I am now on H1 till date (10-May-2012). Current H1 petition is valid till 31-Sep-2012.

--- I did not travel out of US in between.

Details (Short Version):

Number of years with L+H visa/status: 5 Years 2 months

Number of years of stay in US: 4 year 1 months

My questions are:

1. How many years is currently left on 6 years quota?

2. Could my next H1 extension be possibly approved for 1+ years?

I would be really grateful for any info or inputs in this regard.

[livliv]

Only the time spent in the US in H1 or L1 status counts towards the 6 year limit.