Big Changes Happening to H-1B Visa Renewals in Early 2024! - Fuller & Fuller LLP

On October 17, 2023, Department of State (“DOS”) sent for review a Federal Register notice entitled Pilot Program to Resume Renewal of H-1B Nonimmigrant Visas in the United States for Certain Qualified Noncitizens to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (“OIRA”)

While final details of the pilot program will not be shared until the Federal Register notice is published, we understand that it will:

                -Begin in early 2024;

               -Be limited to H-1B principals only;

               -Be limited to nationals of countries that are not subject to reciprocity fees (India is therefore an eligible nation);

               -Have eligibility requirements like those for participation in the interview waiver program;

               -Be available for 20,000 applicants; and

               -Require voluntary participation.

The initial launch of the stateside renewal program will be a limited pilot to test out the operationality of the stateside renewal program.  DOS has expressed its intent and interest in expanding the program after the initial launch. 

To get immediate H-1B visa assistance please call (212) 317-0700 to speak to an experienced immigration attorney.