The maximum duration of the H-1B visa is six years (ten years for exceptional Defense Department project-related work). Those H-1b holders that wish to continue to work in the US, and haven't obtained permanent residency status, must remain outside of the U.S. for one year before reapplying.
The program has been criticized domestically for allegedly displacing American workers, as a form of corporate welfare (http://www.vdare.com/misc/050127_burns_welfare.htm) and by the source countries for encouraging brain drain. However, advocates claim the program (and similar ones operated by other technologically-advanced countries) provides an incentive for companies not to move their operations abroad. Earnings remitted by foreign workers are a major source of income for some developing countries, easing their burden of debt.
External links
H-1B Special coverage from computerworld.com (http://www.computerworld.com/news/special/pages/0,10911,1407,00.html)
US Govt. information site on H1B visa Program (http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/h1b.htm)
The H1BVisa (Professional in a Specialty Occupation) allows a U.S. employer to fill a position requiring the minimum of a baccalaureate in the particular field with a qualified worker from abroad.
Under immigration law, the concept of a visa is distinct from the concept of status, though in discussions the words are often used interchangeably.
"Visa," in immigration law, refers to the visa stamp issued by the U.S. consulate in the foreign country to enable a person to board a flight to the U.S. One person is given "status" at the U.S. Port of Entry, by the USCIS officer.
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