The US government is taking steps to create a permanent program that will allow H1-B visa renewals to be processed within the United States. This move follows a successful pilot program held earlier in 2024, and the full rollout is expected in 2025.
During the pilot phase, which ran from January 29 to April 1, 2024, only a select group of H1-B applicants were eligible. The US Embassy in India confirmed the program’s success after its completion.
In a recent statement, the US Embassy in India shared, “The Department of State completed a successful pilot program to renew H-1B visas in the United States this year. This allowed many specialty occupation workers from India to renew their visas without leaving the country. The program streamlined the renewal process for thousands, and the Department of State is working to officially establish a U.S.-based renewal program in 2025.”
The Department of State, which oversees all US embassies, aims to make this program permanent, possibly within the next year.
If implemented, visa renewals for H1-B holders will follow a process similar to that of international embassies. This includes procedures like Form 221g, which is used when additional information or documents are needed, as well as the potential for visa refusals.
4 Key Takeaways from the 2024 Pilot Program
If extra documents are required, the Department of State will issue Form 221g, and applicants will be given enough time to submit the needed information.
Having an approved H1-B petition does not guarantee visa renewal. Even during the renewal process, visa denials are still possible.
If your renewal is denied but your I-94 is still valid, you can remain in the US legally.
The I-94 determines your legal status and stay in the US. The visa stamp in your passport is only needed when re-entering the country after traveling abroad.
Related topics:
