Is there a time limit on working pursuant to H-1B visa?
Yes, the limit is generally six (6) years total. This does not apply to employees who spend less than 6 months per year in the United States, or to seasonal and intermittent employees. Also, any time spent outside the United States does not count toward the limitation. Those who hold H-1B status and spend at least one (1) year outside the United Sates, may be granted another six (6) year period in H-1B status. Time spent in L status will count against the available H-1B status and vise versa. Additionally, USCIS recently reversed its position on the issue of whether those who were in H-4 and L-2 status (dependents of H and L employees) may be eligible for full six (6) years in H-1B status, should they find employment of their own. Accordingly, the USCIS will not count any time spent in H-4 or L-2 status against the six (6) year limitation on H-1B status. There are, however exceptions to the 6 year limitation on H-1B status. These apply if a labor certification, an I-140 Immigrant Worke
