In a significant change after almost two decades of struggle faced by H1B workers, including Indian nationals, now they can begin applying to renew their visas without leaving the US.
How Did This Happen?
As per these guidelines, now around 20,000 qualified nonimmigrant workers can renew their H-1B visas while staying at their homes in the US.
Earlier, during June 2023, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the US, an announcement was made by the US Department of State on the pilot program for in-country renewal of certain petition-based temporary work visas, including for Indian nationals.
Then PM Modi announced that the H-1B visa renewal stamping was being conducted in the US during an Indian American community event in Washington.
While indicating the commitment of both nations to streamline visa processes and facilitate the lives of temporary visa holders, they have released a joint statement by the White House following the visit.
Under this program, almost 20,000 participants will be accepted who will participate in the pilot conducted over the next five weeks.
Notably, they have splitted them equally between workers who recently received their H-1B specialty occupation visas at consulates in India and Canada.
Ahead of the pilot’s launch, a website was released by the State Department which helped in allowing the visa holders to confirm their eligibility.
As a result, the applicants could fill out a visa application form on the agency’s website last week.
But, they couldn’t submit these forms until Monday.
More Efficient & Less Burdensome
While expressing views on the subject, a prominent advocate for immigration issues, Ajay Bhutoria said, “I am thrilled to see the announcement that the State Department has officially launched the Visa Stamping initiative in the USA today. This endeavor aims to streamline and improve the visa process for legal immigrants, making it more efficient and less burdensome.This would eliminate the need for these applicants to travel abroad to renew visas,” in a media report.
Further adding, “I believe this positive change will benefit thousands of the individuals invited to work in the US and contribute to the growth of our nation’s companies and economy.”
Interestingly, the recommendations of the pilot program are presented by Bhutoria of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders which is now implemented by the State Department.
It is noteworthy here that this initiative for now is limited to only H-1B workers who meet the criteria outlined in December.
Basically, it excludes the dependent visa holders like spouses and children on H-4 visas.
Besides this, Bhutoria is also advocating for other important immigration reforms including reducing the green card backlog.
