US Launches Pilot Program for H-1B Visa Renewal, Limited to Indian and Canadian Holders

The Department of State (DOS) has released details of the H-1B visa renewal pilot program, set to launch on January 29, 2024, which will allow visas to be renewed domestically within the US. The pilot program will initially cover 20,000 participants, half of whom will be from India. The Indian diaspora hopes that the program will eventually expand to include spouses and children of H-1B visa holders. H-1B visa holders from Canada and India are eligible for the pilot project. The eligibility criteria for the pilot program have been outlined, and the DOS will begin accepting online applications from January 29, 2024. The program aims to address the challenges faced by H-1B visa holders when traveling abroad and experiencing delays in visa stamping.