Trackers / Six-year H-1B clock

Six-year H-1B clock

See when you reach six years on H-1B, how much time you can recapture from trips abroad, and whether your green card progress lets you extend beyond it.

How this works

Six years of H-1B (and L) time, minus full days spent outside the US, which can be recaptured. One-year extensions need a PERM or I-140 filed at least 365 days before the six-year date (AC21 106(a)). Three-year extensions need an approved I-140 and a priority date that is not current because of per-country limits (AC21 104(c)). Simplified; your attorney confirms eligibility.

eCFR: 8 CFR 214.2(h)(13)(iii)
USCIS Policy Manual: H-1B extensions beyond six years

An estimate, not legal advice. Your own case can differ; talk to an immigration attorney before acting on it.