Answers to frequently asked questions about the H-1B
extension process
In the U.S., most H-1B visas that are issued have an
initial validity of three years and a max validity of six years.
However, once they have been hired and find employment in the
country, many H-1B visa recipients want to stay longer than the
initial three-year period or the six-year maximum. Foreign
nationals can apply for an H-1B extension when their visa's
expiration date approaches. However, they must meet certain
requirements to secure a longer visa extension.
What are the requirements for an H-1B extension past six
years?
H-1B visa holders who have had a pending I-140
immigrant petition for over a year can extend their H-1B visa's
validity past six years with subsequent validity periods issued in
one-year increments. However, the extension permission only applies
to individuals who have an employment-based green card in the EB-1,
EB-2, or EB-3 category.
