Your eligibility for work visa extension depends on the type of visa you possess when your current expiry date is approaching. H-1B visa holders have the opportunity to seek continuous three-year extensions that can reach a maximum period of six years and continue even after the six years when they are seeking their green card. 

Specialized knowledge workers under L-1B can receive status extensions up to five years and executives or managers under L-1A can receive up to seven years of extension. USCIS permits extension possibilities through different visa categories although these other visa types including O-1 and TN visas require specific requirements that need to be met. 

Lawful visa maintenance requires filing your extension request so it reaches USCIS prior to your visa expiration date. Failure to meet deadlines leads to a status interruption that prevents you from both working and staying in the U.S. USCIS grants automatic work authorization extensions to eligible applicants during specific circumstances when their renewal petition reaches them before their current authorization ends.