The State Department announced that a limited number of H-1B workers will be able to renew their visas in the U.S. through the H-1B domestic visa renewal pilot as soon as January 2024.
What to Expect
- The pilot will be open to 20,000 temporary visa holders and allow some H-1B visa holders to renew their visas through the mail rather than having to travel outside of the U.S. and face long wait times for an appointment at a U.S. consular office.
- A Department of State notice was sent to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) and is still undergoing review.
- A Federal Register notice with full details on the program is expected to be published in December.
Currently, visa holders must travel abroad to renew their visas, subjecting many to long delays at consular offices. Employer groups and immigration advocates have pushed the Biden administration to restore the stateside stamping program as many employees have been stuck abroad for months, causing disruptions for their employers and families. The State Department also stated that it is focused on waiving visa interviews for migrants who have previously traveled to the U.S. and hopes to continue this policy into next year.
Erickson Insights
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.