H-1B Extensions, Transfers and Amendments

Immigration » H-1B visas » Extensions and transfers

H-1B status is granted for up to three years at a time, with a general limit of six years. Many workers extend, change employers or change their job duties during that period, and each step has its own rules.

Extending your H-1B

The employer files a new petition and a new certified labor condition application before the current stay ends.
Time spent in H-1B status generally counts toward the six-year limit, with some adjustments for time spent outside the United States.
The extension can be filed early within the allowed window, and premium processing is available.

Changing employers: portability

An H-1B worker in valid status can generally start working for a new H-1B employer once the new employer files a non-frivolous petition, without waiting for approval, under the portability rules. If the petition is denied, the worker may have to stop. We confirm eligibility and the risk before any move.

Amended petitions

If the job changes in a material way, for example a new work location outside the area covered by the LCA, a significant change in duties or a change in the employer’s structure, an amended petition may be needed. Not every change requires one, so we review each situation.

Losing a job

A worker who loses a job may have a grace period of up to 60 days, or until the end of the authorized stay if shorter, to find a new employer, change status or leave. The time must be used carefully, and we plan the options quickly.

Beyond six years

A worker with a pending labor certification or immigrant petition filed early enough may qualify for extensions beyond six years.
A worker with an approved immigrant petition but a backlog for visa numbers may qualify for extensions in up to three-year steps.
Time outside the United States can be recaptured in some cases, which can add to the six years.

Documents to keep

All approval notices and I-94 records.
Pay records and employment letters.
Travel records for the six-year calculation.

H-1B visas guide

How our firm helps with H-1B visas

We review the job, the degree match and the wage level before anything is filed, so the petition tells a clear specialty-occupation story.
We coordinate the registration, the labor condition application and the petition with your employer or the employer’s HR team.
We prepare the support letter, the evidence and any response to a request for evidence.
We plan transfers, extensions, amendments and the six-year clock so your status never lapses.
We map the route from H-1B to a green card early, so a backlog does not catch you by surprise.

Situations we handle

Workers not selected in the lottery who need a Plan B
Transfers and job changes with portability questions
Employers placing workers at client sites
Extensions beyond six years tied to a green card case

Why clients choose our firm

A Texas-licensed attorney serving immigration clients in all 50 states.
Russian-language service for clients and families.
Clear communication and updates through our client portal.
A full review of your history before anything is filed, so problems are caught early.
Organized filings and representation through interviews, requests for evidence and appeals.

Get help with h-1b visas

Request a consultation to review your situation. Legal plan members can mention their plan when booking.

This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration rules, policies and fees change often. Last updated: November 2026.