Only time you actually spend in the US in H-1BÂ  status counts toward the 6 year maximum so you would count your time from the date you actually landed in the US in that status, not when the petition was filed and approved.Â  Any time you subsequently spend outside the US you can also recover toward that 6 yearÂ  maximum stay in H-1B status.Â  You can file the application for the green card anytime but in order for you to be eligible for extensions of stay in H-1B status beyond the 6 yearÂ  maximum, an application must be filed on your behalf at least 365 days prior to the expiration of your 6 year maximum.