DOS has announced the opening of a pilot program for stateside H-1B visa renewals from January 29, 2024 through April 1, 2024. The program is available for H-1B principals only, whose visas were issued by Mission India or Mission Canada.
Am I eligible for the H-1B visa renewal pilot program?
Because this is a pilot program designed to test the Department of State’s technical and operational ability, the eligibility parameters are narrow. Participation is limited to only those people who meet the following criteria:
-Your H-1B visa was issued by Mission India with an issuance date from February 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021, or your H-1B visa was issued by Mission Canada with an issuance date from January 1, 2020 through April 1, 2023
-You are not subject to a visa issuance fee (also known as a “visa reciprocity fee”)
-You have submitted ten fingerprints to DOS in connection with the prior visa application
-You are eligible for an in-person interview waiver (more information here)
-Your prior visa does not include a “clearance received” annotation
-You do not have a visa ineligibility that would require a waiver prior to visa issuance
-You have an approved and unexpired H-1B petition, you were most recently admitted to the U.S. in H-1B status, and you are maintaining your H-1B status, and
-You intend to reenter the U.S. in H-1B status after a temporary period abroad
How and when do I apply for the H-1B visa renewal pilot program?
The Department of State will begin accepting online applications for the pilot program beginning on January 29, 2024 via this website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/domestic-renewal.html. To complete the application, applicants should select the post where their most recent H-1B visa was issued (either India or Canada), answer a series of questions to determine eligibility, complete and submit Form DS-160, and pay the non-refundable MRV visa fee.
Each week, DOS will release approximately 4,000 application slots – 2,000 for those whose most recent visa was issued by Mission India, and 2,000 for those whose most recent visa was issued by Mission Canada. The release dates are January 29, 2024; February 5, 2024; February 12, 2024; February 19, 2024, and February 26, 2024. Once the weekly limit is reached, the online application portal will be locked until the next release date opens new slots. The pilot will continue until all slots are used or until April 1, 2024, whichever is sooner.
What documents do I need?
Similar to a visa renewal at the consulate abroad, you will need to provide certain documents:
-A properly completed and electronically filed DS-160 visa application
-One passport-style photograph
-A passport with validity for at least 6 months beyond the visa application date, that contains a blank, unmarked page for a visa foil
-An original or copy of the I-797 approval notice
-An original or copy of your I-94
At this time, you do not have to prove U.S. residency or international travel plans. However, this may be requested at a later date.
How long will it take to receive my visa?
Applications will be considered in the order they are received. According to DOS, the average processing time is expected to be 6-8 weeks from the time the passport and documents are received by DOS. The agency intends to complete processing of all applications no later than May 1, 2024. Applicants can check the status of their application online: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?App=NIV.
Expedited processing is not available with the pilot program. If an applicant applies through the program then requires urgent travel, they may withdraw their application and request return of their passport through the online portal.
How will I receive the new visa?
Issued visas, passports, and submitted documents will be returned to applicants via USPS or a courier service.
As always, please send us a copy of your new visa and any new I-94s so that we can check expiration dates to ensure everything was properly issued.
Are there any risks of applying through this program?
If, upon receipt, DOS determines your application is not within the scope of the pilot program, it will return your application and passport. In that instance, MRV fees will not be refunded. This may happen, for example, if clearance is required, even if you are not aware that clearance is required. In this instance, you would still be able to apply for a new visa in your home country.
If you would like more information regarding this pilot program, feel free to contact us using one of the below links:
https://roseimmigration.com/contact-us/intake-form-english/
https://roseimmigration.com/contact-us/formulario-en-espanol/