Department of State’s Pilot Program resumes Domestic Renewal of Certain H-1B Visas starting January 29, 2024! - Fuller & Fuller LLP

The Department of State has announced that their pilot program will resume domestic visa renewal for qualified H-1B nonimmigrant visa applicants. Eligible applicants may participate by applying online at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/usvisas/employment/domesticrenewal.html starting on January 29 until April 1, 2024.

Who are eligible to apply?

1. Those seeking to renew an H-1B visa;
2. Renewing a prior H-1B visa that is issued by: (1) Mission Canada with an issuance date from January 1, 2020, through April 1, 2023; or (2) Mission India with an issuance date of February 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021;
3. Not subject to a nonimmigrant visa issuance fee, also know as the “reciprocity fee”;
4. Eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement;
5. Have submitted ten fingerprints to the Department in connection with a previous visa application;
6. Previous H1-B visa does not include a “clearance received” annotation;
7. No visa ineligibility that would require a waiver prior to visa issuance;
8. Have an approved and unexpired H-1B petition;
9. Recently admitted to the United States in H-1B status;
10. Currently maintaining H-1B status in the United States;
11. Period of authorized admission in H-1B status has not expired; and
12. Intend to reenter the United States in H-1B status after a temporary period abroad.

Pilot Program Framework

Starting January 29, 2024, the Department will begin accepting online applications via https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/domestic-renewal.html. Approximately 2,000 application slots will be released per week for individuals whose latest H-1B visas were issued by Mission Canada and approximately 2,000 slots for those whose most recent H-1B visas were issued by Mission India. Accordingly, approximately 4,000 slots will be released each week on the following dates:

• January 29
• February 5
• February 12
• February 19
• February 26

Each application will be tallied against a weekly cap of around 2,000 slots for each Mission involved. When this cap is met, the online portal will be locked until the next cache of slots is released for each Mission group on the following application date. The pilot’s application period will conclude when all slots are filled or by April 1, 2024, whichever comes first.

What documentation is required?

1. Properly completed and electronically filed DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application;
2. One photograph (taken within the last six months), which meets the Department’s specifications;
3. Passport valid for travel to the United States, valid for at least six months beyond the visa application date, and contains a blank, unmarked page for placement of a visa foil;
4. The original or a copy of the applicant’s current Form I-797, Notice of Action; and
5. The original or a copy of the applicant’s Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record.

Application Process:

1. Select host-country post of their most recent H-1B visa issuance at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/domestic-renewal.html.;
2. Electronically complete self-assessment;
3. Electronically complete and submit Form DS-160;
4. Submit payment of the non-refundable, non transferrable MRV fee ($205); and
5. Follow instructions on how to send H-1B holders’ passports and other required documents via the U.S. Postal Service or commercial courier service to the Department.

Note: Applications will be considered in the order received. The Department will not provide non-automated status reports on individual applications, other than the return of the application, issuance of the visa, or refusal, nor will it expedite applications. Applicants may check the status of their application at: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?App=NIV.

Processing Time:

The anticipated duration for processing a domestic visa renewal application is estimated to be between six to eight weeks from the time the Department receives the passport and other required documents. The Department’s objective is to finalize the processing of all applications by May 1, 2024, at the latest. Requests for expedited processing will not be entertained.

For more information, please call (212) 317-0700 to speak to an experienced immigration attorney