Everything About Domestic H-1B Visa Renewal Pilot Program: Process, Eligibility, Fees

Key Takeaways:

• The Department of State has launched a pilot program to resume domestic visa renewals for qualified H-1B nonimmigrant visa applicants.
• The pilot program will accept applications from January 29, 2024, through April 1, 2024, and participation is voluntary.
• Applicants must meet specific requirements and pay a non-refundable fee of $205 to apply for the pilot program.

Are you an H-1B visa holder looking to renew without the hassle of international travel? There’s good news on the horizon! The Department of State has rolled out an exciting new pilot program tailored just for you. This unique initiative offers a beacon of hope for qualified H-1B nonimmigrant visa holders who want to renew their visa right from within the United States, streamlining what can often be a complex process.

Starting on January 29, 2024, and running through a narrow window until April 1, 2024—or until all spots are snapped up—this program simplifies the renewal procedure for those who meet specific criteria. Whether you’re currently in the States planning your next big move or featuring in a daydream about saving time and energy on your renewal, this update has the potential to make your life a lot easier. Dive in to discover the steps you’ll need to take, the costs involved, and how to secure your place in this limited yet impactful pilot program. Keep on reading to find out if you’re eligible and how to take advantage of this convenient opportunity!

7 Steps Involved for H-1B Renewal Application

Step 1: Online Submission Form

The initial step in renewing your H-1B visa involves completing an online submission form (DS-160). 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.

Domestic Renewal of H-1B Nonimmigrant Visas for Certain Applicants

Introduction to the Domestic H-1B Visa Renewal Pilot Program

The U.S. Department of State has implemented a pilot program for the domestic renewal of H-1B nonimmigrant visas. This initiative is designed for H-1B visa holders fulfilling specific criteria, offering them the opportunity to renew their visas within the United States.

Key Details of the Pilot Program:

• Application window: The program will accept submissions from January 29, 2024, to April 1, 2024, or until all available slots are occupied, depending on which occurs earlier.
• Voluntary participation: Applicants may choose to participate in this program at their discretion.
• Alternative renewal method: Those ineligible for the pilot or opting not to participate can still renew their H-1B visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States.

H-1B Pilot Program: Where to Apply?

Apply Online for Visa Renewal

Starting January 29, a digital gateway will open for those seeking to renew their employment visas. A specific number of slots will be available each week for the submission of online applications through the official portal: U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Here’s a breakdown of the allocation:

• Weekly Slots Available: 4,000
• Reserved for Previous H–1B Visa Holders from Mission Canada: 2,000
• Reserved for Previous Visa Holders from Mission India: 2,000
• Application Weeks: January 29, February 5, 12, 19, and 26

During this application period, the Department aims to release a total of approximately 20,000 applications.

Applicants should prepare to submit their applications promptly, as available slots tend to fill quickly. Regularly checking the official U.S. Visas page for updates and additional information on the renewal process is highly recommended.

If you want to renew your H-1B visa through this program, follow these key steps:

1. Confirm visa issuance country: Initially, the pilot program is restricted to visas issued in India and Canada. Use the online navigator to check if you qualify.
2. Submit DS-160 application: If you meet the requirements, fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (form DS-160) as directed on the portal.
3. Pay the MRV fee: Through the portal, first Sign In or Sign Up and select Make a Payment option. To Sign Up you will need the DS-160 number generated in previous step. Pay the $205.00 Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) application processing fee, which is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
4. Mail your documents: Send your passport and necessary documents for processing as instructed on the portal.

Limitations and Schedule

A total of 20,000 application slots are available during the pilot phase, with weekly distribution as follows:

• 2,000 slots per week for H-1B visas issued by U.S. Mission Canada (January 1, 2020 – April 1, 2023)
• 2,000 slots per week for H-1B visas issued by U.S. Mission India (February 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021)

Entry Period Release Dates

Applications must be made through the provided portal on these dates:

• January 29, 2024
• February 5, 2024
• February 12, 2024
• February 19, 2024
• February 26, 2024

Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis each week. If you miss one date, you can try again on any subsequent date within the entry period. The application window will close when the maximum number of applicants is reached, or by April 1, 2024.

To check eligibility for the Domestic Visa Renewal Pilot Program, eligible visa holders can use the [“Eligibility Navigator”], a tool that includes a series of questions to confirm your eligibility for the program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Pilot Program

Eligibility Criteria for the Pilot Program

To qualify for the pilot program, applicants must meet all the following criteria:

• H-1B Visa Renewal: Only those seeking to renew an H-1B nonimmigrant visa are eligible. No other visa classifications will be accepted, including H-4 visas for dependents.
• Visa Issuance Dates: The applicant’s prior H-1B visa must have been issued by the U.S. Mission Canada between January 1, 2020, and April 1, 2023, or by the U.S. Mission India from February 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021.
• Reciprocity Fee Exemption: Applicants should not be subject to a nonimmigrant visa issuance fee, often called a “reciprocity fee.“
• Interview Waiver: Must be eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement.
• Biometric Submission: Must have previously submitted ten fingerprints to the Department in connection with a visa application.
• Clearance Annotation: The prior visa must not include a “clearance received” annotation.
• Visa Ineligibility: Should not have a visa ineligibility that would require a waiver before issuance.
• Last Admission and Status: Applicants must have been most recently admitted to and currently maintaining H-1B status in the United States.
• Valid H-1B Petition: Must possess an approved and unexpired H-1B petition.
• Status Validity: The period of authorized admission in H-1B status has not expired.
• Travel Intent: Intend to reenter the United States in H-1B status after a temporary period abroad.

Ineligibility for the Program

Applicants who do not meet the above requirements, including not qualifying for an interview waiver, cannot apply for or receive a visa domestically and must apply overseas.

Application Process Note

The navigator tool used during the application will not filter out all applicants who do not meet the qualifications. If you apply and:

• Fail to meet the pilot program’s requirements,
• Are refused based on a failure to qualify for an interview waiver, or
• Are identified with another ineligibility during adjudication,

your Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application processing fee will not be refunded.

For official and detailed information, always refer to the official U.S. visa information and appointment services website.

H-1B Visa Renewal Documents and Fees

When renewing your H-1B visa domestically, ensure you gather and submit the following:

• DS-160 Form: Provide the barcode sheet of the completed and electronically filed form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. You can fill out the form here.
• Valid Passport: This passport must:
• Be valid for travel to the U.S.
• Have a validity period extending at least six months beyond your visa application date.
• Contain at least two blank pages for the visa foil.
• It’s recommended to include a passport with your most recent H-1B visa if it’s not in the current passport.
• Application Processing Fee: A $205.00 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application processing fee that is non-refundable and non-transferable. Make the payment through the online portal after submitting the DS-160.
• Recent Photograph: Supply one photograph taken within the last six months, adhering to the specifications found here.
• Form I-797: Include a copy of your current Form I-797, Notice of Action.
• Form I-94: Provide a copy of your Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, which you can access here or find on the Form I-797.

Establishing U.S. Residence for Visa Renewal

To renew your visa domestically and not undergo an in-person interview, you must show eligibility for a waiver of this requirement as per section 222(h) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Demonstrating U.S. residence includes:

• Home Address: The home address listed on your DS-160 form.
• Current U.S. Address: The current residential U.S. address indicated on your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.
• Employment Duration: The time length of your employment in the United States.
• Travel Records: Your arrival and departure records.

You do not need to submit additional evidence of residence with your application, but the Department may request it after reviewing your application. Note that “residence” here refers to your living situation in the U.S., not your status as a “lawful permanent resident” (LPR).

Showing Intent to Reenter the U.S. in H-1B Status

For those taking part in the pilot program and planning a temporary stay abroad, you must:

• Intend to Reenter: Have the intention to reenter the United States in H-1B status after your temporary period abroad.

While evidence of this intent is not required when you apply, additional information may be requested by the Department on a case-specific basis to confirm your intentions.

Application Processing Time

How Long Does It Take?

• Once all necessary documentation, including the applicant’s passport, is received, the estimated processing time is between six and eight weeks.

Withdrawing an Application or Requesting Passport Return

Withdrawal Process and Implications

• You can withdraw your application and ask for your passport back using the online portal.
• A pending visa application withdrawn will be refused under INA Section 221(g).
• This refusal applies to instances where an applicant asks for their passport before the application has been reviewed and processed.

Urgent Passport Requests

• Withdrawal includes emergency travel situations where the passport is requested back before the application is processed.
• The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is non-refundable in any circumstance of withdrawal.

Expedited Application Requests

Can I Expedite My Visa Application?

• Expedited processing for domestic visa renewals is not available.
• All applications are processed in the order they are received, adhering to the principle of first-come, first-served.
• If urgent travel is necessary, you may apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

For detailed information and guidelines on visa application processes, visit the official U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

Understanding Nonimmigrant Visa Issuance and Reciprocity Fees

If you’re applying for a nonimmigrant visa, it’s crucial to know whether you might need to pay a reciprocity fee, also known as a visa issuance fee. The inability of the Department to accept these fees domestically can affect your application process.

When is a Reciprocity Fee Required?

• You may need to pay a reciprocity fee if your home country has this arrangement with the United States.
• The pilot program does not accept participants who are nationals of countries that require a reciprocity fee.

To check the latest reciprocity fee information, visit the U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country page.

What Happens if Your Application Is Returned?

There are specific scenarios where the Department will return applications without adjudicating them or refunding the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee. These include:

• Renewal requests for visas other than H-1B.
• H-1B renewals where the initial visa wasn’t issued by Mission Canada (from January 1, 2020, to April 1, 2023) or by Mission India (from February 1, 2021, to September 30, 2021).
• Applications that are subject to a nonimmigrant visa issuance (reciprocity) fee.
• Cases where the prior visa was issued with a “clearance received” annotation.

Next Steps if Your Application Is Returned Without Adjudication:

• You will not receive a visa domestically.
• You have the option to submit a new application and pay a new MRV fee at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

What If Your Application Is Refused?

Refusals can occur if you don’t meet the criteria for a waiver of the in-person interview or for other reasons concerning visa renewal requirements.

Here’s What Happens if You Face a Refusal:

• Your application will be either refused under INA section 221(g) or returned unadjudicated.
• You can reapply by submitting a new application with a new MRV fee at a U.S. embassy or consulate in another country.
• The Department cannot move your application to an overseas embassy or consulate.

Keep in mind that participation in the pilot program is a choice, and various criteria must be satisfied for successful visa renewal through this path.

H-1B Visa Pilot Program Application Slots

During the pilot program, the Department plans to accept a significant number of applications. A total of approximately 20,000 application slots will be available throughout the duration of the program.

The application process is structured to admit a specific number of applications weekly:

• Approximately 2,000 slots for applicants with a most recent H-1B visa from U.S. Mission Canada
• Approximately 2,000 slots for applicants with a most recent H-1B visa from U.S. Mission India
• This equates to around 4,000 application slots available each week

Scheduled Release Dates for Application Slots

Applicants should note the following dates when the Department will release application slots:

• January 29, 2024
• February 5, 2024
• February 12, 2024
• February 19, 2024
• February 26, 2024

Application Processing Details

Applications will be dealt with on a “first-received, first-processed” basis. This means that once the weekly limit of 2,000 applications per participating Mission is reached, no further applications will be accepted until the next allotted release date.

If an applicant is unable to secure an application slot on a given date, they are encouraged to try again on subsequent application dates within the entry period.

Important Notes on the Application Period

• The application window will remain open until all slots have been filled.
• Alternatively, the application period will conclude on April 1, 2024, should slots remain available by this date.

Applicants should act promptly to ensure their application is submitted within the set deadlines. If necessary, refer to official immigration sources for additional information and guidelines.

Eligibility Criteria for Interview Waiver

If you’re interested in renewing your H-1B visa under the domestic renewal pilot program and wish to waive the in-person interview, you must meet specific criteria:

• Residency: You must currently reside in the United States.
• Renewal Timeframe: Your renewal application must fall within the pilot program’s eligibility dates.

However, certain exceptions disqualify you from eligibility:

Disqualifying Factors

• Non-residency: If you do not reside in the United States, you cannot waive the in-person interview.
• Previous Visa Refusal: If you have had a visa refused in the past, you are ineligible unless that refusal was overcome with a subsequent visa issuance or a waiver of ineligibility was obtained.
• Visa Ineligibility: Apparent or potential visa ineligibility based on the information provided disqualifies you from the waiver.
• Nationality Concerns: Being a national, including a dual national, of countries designated by the State Secretary as state sponsors of terrorism makes you ineligible for the waiver.

Interview Waiver Discretion

The decision to grant an interview waiver remains at the discretion of the adjudicators. They will consider:

• Individual Circumstances: Details of an applicant’s particular situation.
• Security Considerations: The need for further security screening might necessitate an in-person interview.

Navigator Tool Limitation

The navigator tool used in the application process cannot identify all unqualified applicants automatically. If your application does not meet the requirements or is refused due to another ineligibility found during adjudication:

• No Refunds: The MRV application processing fee will not be returned.

For the most recent updates on interview waivers, please refer to the official update page.

Understanding Potential Ineligibility for Interview Waiver

National security is a core priority in the visa issuance process. Extensive security screening is conducted to identify any potential national security concerns, which may include:

• National Security Concerns: Involvement in activities that raise national security concerns.
• Statutory Grounds: Reasons for ineligibility that fall under the specific statutes of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) or other immigration laws.

If it seems you may have an ineligibility but are not aware of it, understand that:

• Unknown Reasons: Some ineligibility triggers may not be apparent to you at the application time.

To gain more insight into visa ineligibilities, you can visit the provided link for further information on waivers and eligibility conditions: Learn about waivers and visa ineligibilities.

Visa Application Process and In-Person Interviews

When an adjudicator decides that an applicant needs an in-person interview, the original application process undertaken domestically does not suffice. This requirement leads to several implications:

• New Application Overseas: Applicants must submit a new application at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
• Second Application Fee: A new Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is required for the overseas application process.

The Department charges fees for reviewing visa applications and deciding on the necessity of in-person interviews. Here’s what applicants need to know:

• Fees paid for the pilot program are specifically for processing within that framework.
• Application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, irrespective of visa issuance.

Application Refusal or Return: Next Steps

Applications that are refused or returned cannot be automatically transferred to be processed overseas. Instead, applicants have to:

• Apply again at a U.S. embassy or consulate situated outside the U.S.
• Pay a new MRV fee for this subsequent application.

Impact of H-1B Renewal Denial on ESTA

Denial of your H-1B renewal may indeed affect your ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) in the following manner:

• Any refusal under INA section 221(g), including those for domestic visa renewals, equates to a visa denial.
• Travelers using the Visa Waiver Program must answer affirmatively to question F on the ESTA form:
• Question F on ESTA: “Have you ever been denied a U.S. visa or entry into the U.S. or had a U.S. visa canceled?”

Note that providing correct information on the ESTA application form is critical for all Visa Waiver Program travelers with prior visa denials.

Eligibility for the H-1B Visa Pilot Program

F-1 to H-1B Status Change:
If you were issued an F-1 student visa in India from February 1, 2021, to September 30, 2021, and then changed your status to H-1B, you are not eligible for the pilot program. Eligibility is specifically for those seeking to renew an H-1B visa and who were last admitted to the U.S. in H-1B status.

Changing Employers on H-1B:
You may still qualify for the pilot program under the following conditions:

• You are currently maintaining H-1B status in the United States.
• You satisfy the other requirements for participation in the program.

H-4 Visa Family Member Applications

Family members holding H-4 visas should note that the Department cannot process H-4 visas as part of the pilot program. If your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 need to renew their H-4 visas, they must do so at a U.S. embassy or consulate. They should renew:

• In a country where they have a residence, or
• Where they are physically present.

Checking Application Status

To check the status of your visa application, please visit the following link:
Check Visa Application Status

Please note the following about status reports:

• Automated status updates will be provided.
• Individual applications will not be subject to non-automated status reports.
• You will be notified upon the return of the application, issuance of the visa, or if it’s refused.
• The expected processing time for domestic visa renewal applications is six to eight weeks, counted from when the Department receives the requisite documents, including your passport.