H1B Visa max-out

[virendra_naykude]

Hi,

I have a following question:
I understand that H1B visa holder can stay in the US for maximum of 6 years.
With following stay details in the US, when will the 6 years be over for this case.

Stay details on H1B visa:


1) From 22-Jan-2001 To 12-Apr-2002 Comment: Went back to India quitting the US job.

2) From 7-Apr-2003 To 30-Apr-2004 Comment: Came back on 2003 April with a new H1 with a new employer

3)31-May-2004 Till date Comment: Still with the latest employer with whom came in 2003 on H1.


Considering that there is a period of 11 months and 25 days between the visits to the US, when will 6 years on H1 be over ?

Can I claim to add the duration for which I was out of US while applying for an extension ?

Thanks in advance..

-V