Generally, USCIS may grant such classifications for up to the period of time authorized on the temporary labor certification. Such classifications may be extended for qualifying employment in increments of up to 1 year each. A new, valid temporary labor certification covering the requested time must accompany each extension request. The maximum period of stay in H-2A/H2-B classifications is 3 years. A person who has held H-2A/H-2B nonimmigrant status for a total of 3 years must depart and remain outside the United States for an uninterrupted period of 3 months before seeking readmission as an H-2A/H-2B nonimmigrant. Additionally, previous time spent in other H or L classifications counts toward total H-2A/H-2B time.