To Renew your H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa while residing in the United States involves a structured application process. This document outlines each step of the renewal process in detail to help guide you through seamlessly.
7 Steps to Renew Your H-1B Visa in the United States under the Domestic Visa Renewal Process
Step 1: Online Submission Form
The initial step in renewing your H-1B visa involves completing an online submission form (DS-160 Form). When doing so, ensure that you select “U.S. Domestic” as your location to indicate that you are applying from within the United States.
Step 2: Account Creation on the USTravelDocs Website
Next, you will need to visit the official website https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en to create your account. This account will be essential for managing your application, scheduling appointments, and tracking your visa status.
Step 3: Visa Fee Payment
Once your account is set up, the application process requires the payment of the visa fee. Visit the “bank and payment options” section of the USTravelDocs website for detailed information on the visa fee amount and the preferred payment methods. It is imperative to make this payment as directed on the website to proceed with your renewal application.
Step 4: Scheduling an Appointment
With the payment completed, the next step involves scheduling an appointment. Log into your profile on the USTravelDocs website and select “Washington DC” as your visa adjudicating post. Upon selecting an appointment date and time that suits you, be sure to print out the appointment letter, as it will be required later in the process.
Step 5: Document Submission Instructions
Approximately three days before your scheduled appointment, you will receive an email from the Visa Services. This email will provide instructions for the document submission process. Included in this email will be a Prepaid courier airway bill. It is important to carry this airway bill, along with the necessary documents, to the designated FedEx courier office for submission.
Step 6: Document Forwarding
After submitting your documents, if you meet the qualifying criteria, your application and documents will then be forwarded to the Department of Adjudication for processing. This is a critical step where your application will be reviewed thoroughly.
Step 7: Return of Passport
Finally, once your application has been processed, your passport—with the issued visa if your application is approved—will be returned to you via FedEx. It will be sent to the courier delivery address you specified earlier in the process. If your application is not approved, your passport will still be returned to you, also via FedEx.
Key Tips for a Smooth Renewal Process:
- Ensure all your information is accurate and up-to-date when completing the online submission form.
- Familiarize yourself with the visa fee payment methods and make the payment promptly.
- Pay close attention to the email instructions received for document submission to ensure you have all necessary documents prepared.
- Keep track of your application status via your USTravelDocs account.
Following these steps carefully and preparing your documents in advance will help facilitate a smoother H-1B visa renewal process.
