The White House is reviewing a proposed program to allow for domestic H-1B visa renewal.
The proposal to resume H-1B nonimmigrant visa renewal in the U.S. for qualifying noncitizens is with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). This is the final step prior to releasing the regulations publicly. The pilot program was first announced in February 2023 by the State Department. Currently, H-1B specialty occupation workers must travel abroad to complete the renewal process. As a result, many H-1B visa holders face long delays in returning to the U.S. due to ongoing pandemic backlogs at some consular offices, particularly those in India.
Nearly 20 years ago, domestic visa renewals were available. The program was ended due to biometric data collection requirements implemented after 9/11.
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