What is the maximum H-1B extension duration?

Normally 6 years total. However, if a PERM has been filed or an I-140 is approved, AC21 allows indefinite extensions (in 1-year or 3-year increments) until the green card is obtained.

How far in advance should an extension be filed?

It is recommended to file at least 6 months before expiration. The earliest filing is 6 months prior. If the petition is still pending at expiration, the worker may continue working for up to 240 days.

Can I change jobs during an extension?

Yes, but the new employer must file a separate H-1B transfer petition. You cannot combine an extension and a change of employer in one filing — the new employer must submit their own I-129.

What if my 6 years expire but I haven't received my green card?

If PERM was filed before the end of your 5th year, you may extend 1 year at a time (AC21 §106). If your I-140 is approved, you may extend 3 years at a time (AC21 §104(c)). This is the critical mechanism for maintaining H-1B status while awaiting green card processing.

What if my H-1B extension is denied?

Denial may invalidate your current status. You may file a Motion to Reopen/Reconsider within the allowed timeframe, or consider a change of status (e.g., to B-1/B-2 visitor). It is advisable not to travel outside the U.S. before the extension decision.

What is the maximum H-1B extension duration?

Normally 6 years total. However, if a PERM has been filed or an I-140 is approved, AC21 allows indefinite extensions (in 1-year or 3-year increments) until the green card is obtained.

How far in advance should an extension be filed?

It is recommended to file at least 6 months before expiration. The earliest filing is 6 months prior. If the petition is still pending at expiration, the worker may continue working for up to 240 days.

Can I change jobs during an extension?

Yes, but the new employer must file a separate H-1B transfer petition. You cannot combine an extension and a change of employer in one filing — the new employer must submit their own I-129.

What if my 6 years expire but I haven't received my green card?

If PERM was filed before the end of your 5th year, you may extend 1 year at a time (AC21 §106). If your I-140 is approved, you may extend 3 years at a time (AC21 §104(c)). This is the critical mechanism for maintaining H-1B status while awaiting green card processing.

What if my H-1B extension is denied?

Denial may invalidate your current status. You may file a Motion to Reopen/Reconsider within the allowed timeframe, or consider a change of status (e.g., to B-1/B-2 visitor). It is advisable not to travel outside the U.S. before the extension decision.

H-1B Extension of Stay | The Peng Law

概述

H-1B签证初始有效期为3年，可延期一次，共计最长6年。在6年期满后，通常需要离开美国至少1年才能重新申请H-1B。但根据AC21法案，如果在H-1B第5年结束前已经提交了PERM劳工证申请或I-140移民申请已获批，则可以在6年期满后继续以1年或3年为单位延期H-1B身份。这使得正在绿卡排期中的H-1B持有者可以在等待绿卡期间继续合法工作。

申请条件

当前持有有效H-1B身份
雇主愿意继续担保并提交I-129延期申请
职位仍然符合"专业职位"要求
6年以内的延期：只需原雇主提交I-129申请即可
超过6年的延期（AC21 §106）：需在H-1B第6年到期前至少365天已提交PERM申请
超过6年的延期（AC21 §104(c)）：需有已获批的I-140，可3年为单位延期

申请流程

确认延期资格

确认当前H-1B有效期，判断属于6年以内延期还是超过6年延期（需AC21条件）。

LCA更新

如职位、工作地点或薪资发生变化，需向劳工部提交新的LCA。如无变化，可沿用原LCA。

提交I-129

雇主提交I-129延期申请，附上支持材料。如超过6年，需附PERM收据或I-140批准通知。

等待审批

常规处理3-6个月。可申请加急处理（Premium Processing）15个工作日出结果。

获批续期

获批后收到新的I-797批准通知，H-1B身份延续至新的有效期。

时间线参考

阶段	预计时间
LCA（如需更新）	7个工作日
I-129准备	1-2周
常规处理	3-6个月
加急处理	15个工作日

常见问题

H-1B最长可以延期多久？

标准情况下最长6年。但如果已提交PERM或I-140已获批，可以通过AC21法案无限期延期（以1年或3年为单位），直到绿卡获批。

延期申请应该提前多久提交？

建议在当前H-1B到期前至少6个月提交。最早可在到期前6个月提交。如果到期时仍在等待审批，可以继续合法工作最长240天。

延期期间可以换工作吗？

可以，但需要新雇主提交新的H-1B Transfer申请。不能同时进行延期和转雇主——新雇主需提交自己的I-129。

6年到期了但还没拿到绿卡怎么办？

如果在第5年结束前提交了PERM申请，可以每年延期1年（AC21 §106）。如果I-140已获批，可以每次延期3年（AC21 §104(c)）。这是保持H-1B身份等待绿卡的关键机制。

H-1B延期被拒怎么办？

被拒后当前身份可能失效。可以在规定时间内提出Motion to Reopen/Reconsider，或考虑换身份（如转为B-1/B-2旅游签证）。建议在延期结果出来前不要出境。

关键词

H-1B ExtensionH-1B延期AC216-Year CapI-129PERMI-140240-Day Rule

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