Updated: January 19, 2024

The US Department of State has announced plans for a pilot program to allow H-1B nonimmigrant visa applicants who meet certain requirements to be able to renew their visa within the US. The pilot program will accept applications from January 29, 2024 to April 1, 2024. Applicants who meet ALL of the following requirements may choose to participate by applying online:

• Applicant must be seeking to renew an H–1B visa;
• Prior H–1B visa that is being renewed must have been issued:
  • In Canada with an issuance date of January 1, 2020 through April 1, 2023; or
  • In India with an issuance date of February 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021
• Not subject to a nonimmigrant visa issuance fee (this is commonly referred to as a “reciprocity fee”);
• Eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement;
• Have submitted ten fingerprints to the Department of State in connection with a previous visa application;
• Prior visa does not include a “clearance received” annotation;
• Do not have a visa ineligibility that would require a waiver prior to visa issuance;
• Have an approved and unexpired H–1B petition;
• Were most recently admitted to the United States in H–1B status;
• Are currently maintaining H–1B status in the United States;
• Period of authorized admission in H–1B status has not expired; and
• Intend to re-enter the United States in H–1B status after a temporary period abroad.

It is important to note that applicants who apply for this pilot program but do not meet the requirements outlined above will not receive a refund of their fees. Please carefully read through the pilot program requirements before applying.

Contact your ISSS advisor if you have any questions/concerns.