The U.S. State Department’s pilot program, set for January 29 to April 1, 2024, allows specific H-1B visa holders to renew their visas within the U.S. Targeting 20,000 participants, it focuses on those with visas issued by Mission Canada or India during certain periods. The pilot, aimed at easing global visa wait times, requires eligibility criteria like prior fingerprint submission and in-person interview waiver. The program’s details and application process are detailed in the notice, with more information available on the State Department’s website.
DOS link: https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-28160.pdf
Stateside processing of the H-1B visa used to be permissible prior to 2001. It was taken offline as a result of 9/11 events and surrounding modifications to the US immigration laws at that time. The re-establishment/re-implementation of the Stateside Visa Stamping process is likely to result in a significant decrease in the demand for visas at US consulate offices abroad. Such decrease in demand should also work to reduce the significant wait times for visas at US Consulate offices abroad.
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.
