The State Department is set to unveil a pilot program that allows H and L visa holders to renew their visas without having to leave the country. The program will apply to H-1B specialty occupation workers as well as various temporary visa holders travelling abroad, such as the L-1 visa. These changes may be expanded to include additional visa holders in the future. The program would also include first-time applicants seeking appointments at U.S. consular offices.
Domestic renewal will offer relief to foreign workers awaiting a valid visa stamp to re-enter the United States, or those experiencing lengthy wait times for appointments. The program will also alleviate backlogs experienced by consular offices abroad and expand the number of potential interviews conducted.
