In a bid to start the drive to renew the much sought-after H-1B foreign work visas domestically, the United States has formally launched a pilot programme on January 29.
For the first time in nearly two decades, a limited number of H-1B non-immigrants will be given the chance to renew their visas from within the US.
According to the US State Department, the pilot programme is voluntary and it will allow approximately 4,000 applications each week, with 2,000 for applicants whose prior H-1B visas were issued by its diplomatic missions in Canada, and another 2,000 for applicants whose prior H-1B visas were issued by US embassies and consulates in India.
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What is H-1B Visa?
The H-1B visa falls under the category of a non-immigrant visa that permits US companies to recruit foreign workers in speciality occupations that demand specific theoretical or technical expertise.
The H-1B visas are of maximum use for technology companies who, depending on them, hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.
All about the pilot programme
The pilot programme which was launched on January 29, will run till April 1. It has been reported that the renewal programme will allow H-1B visa holders currently in status to renew their visas in the US before a temporary trip abroad.
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According to the State Department, the pilot programme started accepting applications on January 29 and will continue until April 1 or when all application slots are filled, whichever comes first.
Application details
Application slots will be released on January 29, February 5, February 12, February 19, and February 26. Applicants will only be able to apply through the portal linked below during the specified dates above, it said, adding that applications will be handled on a first-received, first-processed basis until the weekly limit is reached.
“Applicants who are unable to apply on one application date may reattempt application on any of the remaining application dates during the entry period. The application period will close when all application slots are filled or on April 1, 2024, whichever comes first,” it said.
It has been specified that the estimated processing time will take six to eight weeks from the date the applicant’s passport and other required documents are received by the State Department.
The State Department said all applications will be handled on a strict first-received, first-processed basis.
“Individuals who do not meet the requirements for participation in the pilot programme, or those who choose not to participate in the pilot programme, may continue to apply for visa renewal at a US embassy or consulate overseas,” the State Department said.
