Spent 6 Month in USA in H1B need to go for extension or Amendment

[girishsahu]

Hello Everyone,

I carry H1B which is Valid till August 2019, I want to know that I have stayed in USA for 6 month in 2017 than I came back,I just wanted to know do I need to go for extension or I have to do only amendment since I have been in USA for only 6 month.

I heard that you can stay in USA for 6 year in H1B.

It would be great if anyone help me.

[Spaniard88]

So as far as I'm concern H1-B is a use it or lose it visa in terms of the validity. If you have been away from the states for a long time, Border officer could question if you are still working for the company that sponsored your H1-B. I don't really know what amendment you mention in your post. Could you clarify?

To answer your question: You need an H1-B extension. Which basically requires advertising your job position again under the US regulation. If this is your case you should start now, given that the H1-B only grants an additional 60 day grace period. The extension will grant you 3 more years.

If you apply for a green card and have an approved I-140 your H1-B status will stay valid longer.

I hope this helps. Here is an online resource about time on H1-B : https://www.h1b.io/blog/long-can-sta...piration-date/

[girishsahu]

Thanks for giving information- My specific question is that My Visa approved in November 2016 and I stayed in USA till July 2017 after that I have come back and it's almost 1 and half year passed now I am again travelling to USA, So I just wanted to know, I have lost 1 and Half year of total stay in H1B, Can those lost 1 and half be added to 6 year period of stay in USA in H1B if I apply for extension. (Since in H1B you can stay in USA for 6 Year).

I really Appreciate your response....


By The way I am working for the same company which sponsored my VISA only thing is that my client is different now.