Good news for H-1B visa holders, including those from India! The US State Department has approved a pilot program for visa renewal without leaving the US. Up to 20,000 H-1B visa holders can benefit from this, eliminating the need to travel for renewal. While details are pending publication in the Federal Register, it’s confirmed to apply to foreign employees only, not their dependents.
This initiative addresses challenges faced by H-1B workers who currently must schedule visa stamp appointments after traveling abroad. The aim is to reduce wait times for consular services, especially in countries like India. Starting January, the State Department will launch the program, allowing H-1B visa holders to renew within the US. Participants need to stay in the US during the renewal process.
Though criteria for the first 20,000 participants are unclear, the State Department’s goal is to simplify the travel application process. This revived rule, dormant for nearly two decades, focuses on work visa renewals, benefiting permanent US residents renewing work visas without traveling abroad.
H-1B Renewal, Easy Visa Extension, Stay in the US, Streamlined Renewal Process, No More Leaving