H1B Recapture Time Guide
Why Recapture Matters
H1B recapture time can help a worker recover days spent outside the United States during an approved H1B period. The idea is simple. The six year limit normally measures time spent in the country in H1B status. Days abroad may be requested back when evidence supports them.
How This Tool Organizes Dates
This calculator organizes the dates in a clear way. Enter each approval, admission, or H1B validity range. Then enter every foreign travel range that happened inside those dates. The tool finds overlapping days and treats those days as possible recapture time. It also shows days that fall outside the entered H1B ranges, so you can review them.
Using Older Records
The main formula subtracts qualifying foreign days from total H1B validity days. Manual fields let you add older used days or known recapture days from earlier filings. This makes the estimate useful when records come from several passports, I 94 notices, pay records, or attorney summaries.
Important Filing Notes
The result should be treated as a planning estimate. Immigration officers may review entries, exits, passport stamps, I 94 histories, tickets, and prior approvals. Some cases also use special extensions based on labor certification or immigrant petition timing. Those extensions are different from recapture. Keep them separate when preparing a petition.
Accuracy Tips
For better accuracy, use complete date ranges. Avoid mixing travel dates with approval dates unless they match your evidence. Review the counting method before relying on totals. Inclusive counting can be useful for full calendar day lists. Exclusive end counting can match spreadsheet ranges that stop before the end date.
Exports and Review
The export buttons help you save a basic report. The CSV file supports spreadsheet review. The PDF file creates a simple summary for records. You can attach a detailed evidence table later if needed.
Final Check
A strong recapture request is usually supported by clean math and clear proof. This calculator helps prepare that math. It does not replace legal advice. Use the final numbers as a draft. Then confirm them with the employer, attorney, or qualified immigration professional before filing.
Keep a consistent worksheet for each trip. Note the departure date, return date, country, and proof source. When two trips overlap, merge them first. This prevents double counting and keeps the request easier to explain during review. or employer audit.