How long can a foreign worker be in H-1B status?

Under current law, a foreign worker can be in H-1B status for a maximum period of six (6) years at a time. After being on H-1B for six years, the foreign worker must remain outside the United States for at least one year before another H-1B petition can be approved. There are, however, a few exceptions to the six-year limit, which allow a foreign worker to extend their H-1B status beyond six years.