Highlights: US H1-B Visa Renewal Program
- The U.S. State Department is developing a pilot program that would allow work visa holders to renew their visas.
- The program is expected to launch later this year by expanding its applications in 2024 to more H-1B and L visa holders.
- The main objective is to provide an advantage to Indian H1-B holders.
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New US pilot program for H-1B visa holders
- The U.S. State Department is developing a pilot program that would allow certain U.S. work visa holders to renew their visas without returning to their home country.
- A joint statement from the United States and India was issued by the White House on June 22, 2023, revealing the development of a visa stamping pilot program in the country.
- According to the announcement, the DOS planned to launch this program later this year with the aim of expanding its application in 2024 to more H-1B and L visa holders. The initiative is expected to include other types of visa holders .
- By allowing visa stamping inside the United States, this initiative will provide enormous benefits to H-1B visa holders, mostly those from India.
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Pilot program details:
Mitch Wexler, partner at Fragomen, a renowned international immigration law firm, said: “Details of the pilot project will remain disclosed until they are made public by the DOS. “Eligible” H-1B visa holders should be able to renew their expired or expiring visas during the first phase without visiting a U.S. consulate abroad.
DOS intends to expand the program to nonimmigrant visa categories in subsequent phases. The exact date of the pilot project is being disclosed, but it is expected to take place later this year after receiving approval and authorization from the OMB.
The DOS will publish a notice in the Federal Register regarding the qualification requirements for the pilot program, the application process, and the date the agency will begin accepting applications after receiving OMB approval.
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Web History: The United States introduces new rules on the H-1B visa: going to the American embassy is no longer mandatory.