Why Some H1B Visas Show Less Than Six Years

Someone recently shared their H1B journey on social media, feeling a bit puzzled about the total duration. Their first H1B kicked off in
March 2021 and wrapped up in October 2023—so that’s roughly two years and seven months.

After that, they received an extension from May 2023 to May 2026, which adds another three years to the mix. In total, that brings them
to about five years and seven months, which is shy of the full six years that many people expect.

This is a common question among H1B holders. While the six-year limit is often mentioned, it’s rare for someone to get a single six-year
approval.

Typically, H1B approvals are granted in segments—initially for up to three years, followed by an extension for another three years.

The important thing to remember is that only the days spent physically in the U.S. on an H1B visa count toward that six-year limit. If
someone travels outside the country or has gaps in their employment, those days can sometimes be recaptured later. This process is known as recapturing.

So, having a total of five and a half years is quite common and aligns with how H1B time usually works. When a company mentions “three
years,” they’re referring to each approval period, not the entire duration of the visa.

No need to stress! This timeline is perfectly normal, and if there’s any unused time, it can often be reclaimed later with the right
paperwork.