Can I reclaim previous H1B time while being issued B1 visa and out of US for 500 days

[haveacigar100]

Worked on H1B for 18 months. Then I left USA. My old H1-B has expired. I have lived 500 days outside of USA. I recently traveled on B1 visa for interview, got the job offer. I am not residing in USA now.

Can I reclaim my previous H1-B?
Does B1 makes my previous H1B invalid?

[haveacigar100]

Please guys! Help me on this if you have any insight.

I have come this far, and I need to know what to expect.

Thanks,

[pappu]

H1b visa is attached to the employer. It is not an indipendent visa that could be used for any employer. You will need to apply for H1B again if you are going into a new job.

If you are outside the country for more than a year, then your 6 year cycle starts again. This is good news for you.

[haveacigar100]

thanks for reply.

Just need more clarification, can my new employer be able to reclaim the remaining 42 months on my previous H1B? Because on the new H1B processing, I can only start working from Oct 2013, my employer doesnt want to wait that long. Are there any other way out if not reclaiming?

Appreciate your insight if possible.