Domestic Renewal of H-1B Visas Pilot Program
From January 29, 2024 until April 1, 2024 (or until all application slots are filled, whichever comes first), the Department of State is launching a pilot program for domestic renewal of H-1B visas. The DOS hopes to gain some insight into how domestic renewals of H-1B visas may impact visa processing times. Participation in this pilot program is voluntary, and not all H-1B visa holders are eligible for domestic renewal.
Who Is Eligible to Participate in the Pilot Program for Domestic Renewal of H-1B Visas?
In order to participate in this exciting pilot program, you must:
be a principal applicant seeking to renew your H-1B visa between January 29, 2024 and April 1, 2024 (Domestic renewals are not available to H-4 dependents at this time),
have a prior H-1B visa issued by Mission Canada between January 1, 2020 and April 1, 2023, or a prior H-1B visa issued by Mission India between February 1, 2021 and September 30, 2021, and
intend to reenter the United States in H-1B status after a temporary time abroad,
among other requirements.
For a full list of requirements and to find out if you’re eligible, visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/domestic-renewal.html.
Beginning on January 29, 2024, each week the Department of State will release approximately 2,000 application spots for Mission Canada applicants and 2,000 application spots for Mission India applicants until April 1, 2024, or until all spots are filled.
How to Participate in the Pilot Program for Domestic Renewal of H-1B Visas
You must apply at the dedicated domestic renewal website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/domestic-renewal.html
After applicants are screened for their eligibility, they will be able to submit their Form DS-160 and payment online. Applicants will then receive instructions regarding how to submit their passports and other required documentation via U.S. Mail.
The required documents include:
One passport photo taken within the last 6 months
A passport that is valid at least 6 months beyond the application date
An original or photocopy of the applicant’s current I-797 Notice of Action
An original of photocopy of the applicant’s I-94 Arrival-Departure Record
The applicant’s passport will be returned to them via U.S. Mail or another service. If approved, the applicant’s H-1B status is not extended. Applicants must leave the U.S. temporarily and reenter.
While this domestic H-1B renewal pilot program is only available to a very specific group of H-1B visa holders, it’s a very exciting opportunity for those who do qualify!
If you need help navigating the United States work visa process, contact Katie DeGrio Channing today using the form below to schedule a 30-minute consultation and get started on your journey.
This blog post is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter. By viewing this blog post, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship between the reader and the blog publisher. The blog should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.