Domestic H-1B Visa Renewal Pilot Program Launching in January
Introduction
The Department of State (the “Department”) released details of the highly anticipated pilot program aimed at resuming the renewal of H-1B nonimmigrant visas within the United States. This initiative is designed to benefit qualified foreign nationals seeking to renew their H-1B visas, with the goal of testing the Department's technical and operational capabilities in handling domestic visa renewals. In this post, we'll delve into the key details of the program and how eligible applicants can participate.
Pilot Program Scope and Limitations
The pilot program is limited to H-1B principal applicants who meet the certain requirements outlined below, excluding other visa categories during the initial phase.
Important Dates and Application Window
The pilot program will be open for applications from January 29, 2024 to April 1, 2024. During this period, eligible applicants can participate by applying online through the Department’s official portal available at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/domestic-renewal.html
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the pilot program, applicants must meet specific requirements outlined by the Department, which include:
The applicant must be seeking to renew an H-1B visa.
Prior H-1B visa was issued within specified date ranges and by designated Missions (i.e., U.S. embassies and consulates.) Specifically:
Mission Canada with a visa issuance date from January 1, 2020, through April 1, 2023.
Mission India with a visa issuance date February 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021.
Not subject to a nonimmigrant visa issuance fee, commonly referred to as a “reciprocity fee,” based on their country of citizenship.
Eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement.
Have submitted ten fingerprints to the Department in connection with a previous visa application.
The prior visa does not include a “clearance received” annotation.
Do not have a visa ineligibility that would require a waiver prior to visa issuance.
Have an approved and unexpired H-1B petition.
Were most recently admitted to the United States in H-1B status.
Are currently maintaining H-1B status in the United States.
Period of authorized admission in H-1B status has not expired.
Intend to reenter the United States in H-1B status after a temporary period abroad.
Application Period
The Department will begin accepting online applications on January 29, 2024. To control the number of applications, slots will be released in tranches on specified dates, with a maximum weekly limit for each participating Mission. Each week, the Department will release approximately 2,000 application slots for applicants whose most recent H-1B visas were issued by Mission Canada, and approximately 2,000 application slots for those whose most recent H-1B visas were issued by Mission India (approximately 4,000 total each week) on the following dates:
January 29
February 5
February 12
February 19
February 26
Application Process
Applicants will navigate to the dedicated domestic visa renewal website, where a navigator tool will assist in assessing eligibility. Qualified applicants will then be directed to electronically complete and submit Form DS-160 and pay a non-refundable and non-transferable MRV fee of $205.00 via the online portal, using a major debit or credit card.
After online submission of the DS-160 and payment of the MRV fee, applicants will receive instructions via the portal on where and how to send their passports and required documents via the U.S. Postal Service or commercial courier service to the Department.
Required documents include:
A completed and electronically filed DS-160
One passport-size photograph (taken within the last six months)
A passport valid for at least six months beyond the visa application date
The original or a copy of the applicant’s current Form I-797
The original or a copy of the applicant’s Form I-94
Applications will be processed in the order received, with an expected processing time of six to eight weeks. The Department aims to complete all processing by May 1, 2024. Expedited processing requests will not be considered.
Conclusion
While the pilot program is only available to a limited group of H-1B applicants, it signifies a positive stride toward enhancing visa services within the United States. We encourage eligible individuals to consider this opportunity, bearing in mind the outlined requirements and key dates.
For further details, refer to the official Federal Register publication: https://federalregister.gov/d/2023-28160.
