L1 to H4 to H1 Do the years add up?

[aspengal]

What is the name of your state? IL

Dear Lana,

Thanks for all ur awsome responses so far

L1B Petition Validity start date: July 2003-July 2006.
L1 BVisa stamp Date Jan 2004.
Entered US first time Jan 2004.
L1 B visa extended from July 2006- July 2008
FMLA 12 Weeks from Jan 2007.
Status change from L1 to H4 Oct 2007.

Is the spouse even eligible to apply for a H1 B in 2009? Even though the 6 years of L1 ends in July 2009 from the 1st petition approval date, my spouse has been working in the US and on Payroll only for a period of about 3 1/2 years. So, how many years has she worked per the L1 B max rule?

Or since this is a different work visa, (L1 B to h1B) the 6 years is calculated from the beginning?

Thanks much!