An H-1B Visa, which enables professionals in "Specialty Occupations" to come to the United States, can be awarded for various lengths of time. Most H-1B Visas are awarded for approximately three to six years. H1B Visas are considered temporary visas, but H1B holders can apply for permanent residency at any time during their stay. As the H1B Visa deadline approaches, visa holders have several options. They can return to their home countries, apply for a Green Card for permanent residency, or apply for an extension of their H1B Visa. An applicant can extend their H1B Visa beyond the maximum of six years in several circumstances. For employees with permanent resident (Green Card) applications pending, an extension can be granted to allow for the completion of the process. Like the basic H1B application, an H1B Visa extension needs to be requested by the sponsoring company, not the employee himself