What are the criteria for H1 Visa extension?

[whatshisnameb]

Hello All,

Is the total 6 year period for the Total number of years actually stayed in US?
Or is it for the total number of years having a L+H visa.

Could you please help with any information you have.

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Also, i am looking for some help on my situation.

Details are as below:
--- I had a L1 Visa Issued on: 27 Feb 2007. It was valid till 15 Feb 2010
--- I landed in US on 7 Sep 2007 and Left US on: 7 Aug 2008.
--- On the same L1 visa, for my 2nd Trip to US, I landed on 6 Mar 2009.
--- With a approved H1B COS, I am now on H1 till date (31-Mar-2012). Current H1 petition is valid till 31-Sep-2012.
--- I did not travel out of US in between.

Baseline:
Number of Years holding a L+H visa: 5 Years 1 Month
Number of years of stay in US: 4 year 0 months

My questions are:
1. How many years is currently left on 6 years quota?
2. Could my next H1 extension be possibly approved for 1+ years?

Any help, info or inputs in this regard will be greatly appreciated.

[shervin143]

1. How many years is currently left on 6 years quota?
>>> 6 years - time spend in U.S in L1 status - time spend in U.S in H1B status.

2. Could my next H1 extension be possibly approved for 1+ years?
>>> Do the above math and figure out by yourself.

[whatshisnameb]

1. How many years is currently left on 6 years quota?
>>> 6 years - time spend in U.S in L1 status - time spend in U.S in H1B status.

2. Could my next H1 extension be possibly approved for 1+ years?
>>> Do the above math and figure out by yourself.

Thank you, shervin143.

I was also under the same impression. However, recently, some doubts crept in due to some comments from my employer etc.