Question about form DS156 URGENT

[aditya2178]

here is my situation:
I have been in the states since aug 2005. I graduated in sept 2006 and worked for two years on OPT and my H1 application was approved last year (2009). I have come back to Mumbai after 4 and a half years.

I need advise regarding two questions on the DS 156 form:
1) How long do you intend to stay in the united states?
A) Can I write 'Duration of the H1' here

2) how long were you in the United states?
A) Can I mention since august 2005 here

[shervin143]

It would be better if you could enter the answers in Years and Months (Example: XX years and YY months) instead of the VO calculating it. For the 1st question, calculate the duration from the visa interview to the petition expiry date.