After almost 20 years, H-1B workers, including Indian nationals can now apply to renew their visas without having to leave the country, which is a big move.According to the information, domestically, up to 20,000 skilled nonimmigrant workers are able to renew their H-1B visas.During Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US in June 2023, the US Department of State announced a trial program for the in-country renewal of certain petition-based temporary work visas, including those for Indian nationals.At an Indian American community function in Washington during the visit, Prime Minister Modi declared that the H-1B visa renewal stamping was taking place in the United States.This development was acknowledged in the joint statement issued by the White House after the visit, demonstrating both countries commitment to expediting visa procedures and improving the lives of temporary visa holders.For the next five weeks, 20,000 workers will be welcomed into the trial program, evenly divided amongst employees who recently obtained their H-1B specialized occupation visas from Canadian and Indian consulates.DOS has officially announced the State Side #H1B visa Pilot Program to accept applications from Jan29 to April 1, 2024.The goal of this pilot is to test the Departments technical and operational ability to resume domestic visa renewals https://t.co/n6kTs5pp2T #immigration— Ajay Jain (@ajainb) December 21, 2023What is H-1B visa and how is it extendedH-1B visas are a type of non-immigrant visa that allows foreign workers with specialized skills to work in the United States for up to three years, with the possibility of extension. The visas are subject to an annual quota of 65,000, with an additional 20,000 reserved for workers with advanced degrees from US universities.The renewal process for H-1B visas typically begins about six months before the visa expires. The worker must submit a petition to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with supporting documentation, such as a new employment contract and proof of continued eligibility.The processing time for H-1B visa renewals can vary depending on the workload of USCIS. However, it is generally recommended that workers submit their petitions well in advance of their visa expiration date to avoid any potential delays.
