H1-B Visa new rules for Indians, travel to U.S. no longer mandatory

Highlights: U.S. H1-B visa renewal program

• The U.S. State Department is developing a pilot program that would benefit work visa holders to renew their visas.
• The program is to be initiated later this year by broadening its applications in 2024 to more H-1B and L-visa Holders.
• This is primarily focused on providing advantage to Indian H1-B holders. 

 

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U.S. new pilot program for H-1B visa holders

• The U.S. State Department is developing a pilot program that would permit some work visa holders in the U.S. to renew their visas without going back to their home countries.
• A joint statement from the U.S. and India was released by the White House on June 22, 2023, revealing the development of the pilot program for visa stamping within the country. 
• According to this announcement, the DOS planned to begin this program later this year with the goal of broadening its application in 2024 to more H-1B and L-visa holders. The initiative is anticipated to include other types of visa holders.
• By allowing visa stamping inside the U.S., this initiative will provide enormous benefits to H-1B visa holders, for most of those who are from India. 

 

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Details of the pilot program

Mitch Wexler, a partner at Fragomen, a famous international Immigration law firm, said, "The details of the pilot will remain disclosed until made public by the DOS. 'Eligible' H-1B visa holders should be able to renew their expired or expiring visas during the first phase without visiting a US consulate abroad.

 

The DOS intends to expand the program to non-immigrant visa categories in succeeding phases. The pilot's exact date is disclosed, but it is scheduled to happen later this year after receiving OMB approval and clearance.

 

The DOS will publish a notice in the Federal Register about the qualifying requirements for the pilot program, the application process, and the date when the agency will start accepting applications after receiving approval from the OMB.

 

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