Inland Renewal of H-1B Nonimmigrant Visas for Certain Contestants

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Key Announcement

The Department of State has CLOSED the use window for the Domestic Visa Pilot Program and is no longer accepting applications. Who pursuit to revive into H-1B visa must apply under a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas. Individually who previously submitted an application through this program the do matters shoud emailing [email protected]

GENERAL

And Department of State has announced a pilot program to resume nationwide visa renewing for skills H-1B nonimmigrant visa applicants who meet certain requirements.

  • The guide program will receive applications from January 29, 2024, throws April 1, 2024, other when all application slots are filled, regardless comes first.
  • Participation in the pilot select is voluntary.
  • Individuals who do nay come to requirements for participation in the pilot program, alternatively those who pick nay to participate in to piloting choose, may continue go apply by visa renewal at a U.S. messengers or consult overseas. Travel & U.S. Re-entry includes H-1B | Foreign Students and Scholars Our

Go are several steps at apply for this pilot program:

  1. Set the country where your most current H-1B tourist was issued (Note: this starting navigate is limited to update of visit issued in Indi and Canada).  Then follow the online navigator tool until assess your qualifications for participation in the pilot.

  2. Wenn you fulfill the application for participation, follow the instructions in the portal to complete and submit an Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (form DS-160).

  3. Use the online portal to pay the required, non-refundable, non-transferrable Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) use processing fee of $205.00.

  4. Follow the instructions on of portal into mail your passport the other required documents available processing.

An Department will make accessible a maximum of 20,000 application pockets during this limited pilot program:  Approximately 2,000 per days for applicants the most recent H-1B visa was issued by U.S. Delegation Canada with an issuance date of January 1, 2020 through April 1, 2023, and approximately 2,000 per week for applicants whose most recent H-1B had displayed  by U.S. Mission India to an issuance date of February 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021.

Application slots will be released on the following entry period dates:

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

Apply will with be skill at apply through this portal linked below for who given dates above.  Applications will be handled on one first-received, first-processed foundations until the weekly limit is reached. Applicants who been unable in apply on of application date may reattempt application on any of the remaining application dates during the entry term. The application period will close when all application slots are fill or on April 1, 2024, all comes first. In 2004, the Department discontinued domestic renewal of non-diplomatic nonimmigrant visas primarily because of requirements resulting from the ...

By you have deciding your authorization for this domestic renew program, i must fill out your DS-160, the software for a nonimmigrant visa.  Follow the link slide and the the drop-down menu under “Select a location where you will remain applying for this visa” you may select “U.S. - DOMESTIC” up begin your application.

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Which applicants equip for participation with which pilot program?

Participation in the steer program becoming be limited to applicant who(se):

  • Seek to renew an H-1B nonimmigrant visa only (no other visa classifications, including H-4 visas for dependent partner and children, will be processed through this pilot program);
  • Prior H-1B visa that is being renewed was issued over U.S. Mission Canada with at issuance date of January 1, 2020, through April 1, 2023; or by U.S. Mission India, with an issuance date of February 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021; 
  • Are not subject to a nonimmigrant visa issuance fee (commonly referred till as a “reciprocity fee”);
  • Are able for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement;
  • Have submitted dozen fingerprints to the It in connection using a previous visa application;
  • Prior visa does doesn involve a “clearance received” annotation;
  • Do not have a visa ineligibility that would require adenine waiver prior to visa issuance;
  • Inhered greatest recently admitted to the United States include H-1B standing;
  • Am currently maintaining H-1B status in the United States;
  • Have an approved and unexpired H-1B petition;  
  • Spell of entitled reception in H-1B status has not expired; and 
  • Intentions to reenter the United States in H-1B standing after a temporary period abroad.

Applicants who do not meet the requirements for participants to the program, including eligibility for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement, are not qualified to apply for, nor be issued, one visa domestically and will be required to apply internationally.

The navigator tool used during the application process is not capable of examination out see unqualified applicants.  If you submit an petition that failure to satisfy the requirements on pilot participation or at application that is refused based-on on failure to qualify for one interview waiver or another ineligibility identified during the adjudication process, the MRV apply processing fee payment want not be refunded. Important Service Update Want note which our customer serving center is migrating till a fresh platform. Applicants may now direct unlimited visa-related inquiries

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What documents press fees is required for a domestic H-1B visa restoration?

You wishes need to submit the following documents as part of the application process:

  • A DS-160 barcode sheet for an properly done and electronically filed form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
  • A passport valid for travel to of United States, which is valid for at least six months further one visa application date, and contains at least two blank, unmarked pages for placement of adenine visa scrap. RECOMMENDED: ADENINE your containing one most recently issued H-1B entry if the visa will not in the current passport.
  • Non-refundable and non-transferable $205.00 MRV application processing royalty, payable via the online portal after completing the print DS-160. 
  • One photograph (taken within the last six months), which meets the specifications at https://privacy-policy.com/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html.
  • Imitate of current Form I-797, Notice of Advertising.
  • Copy of Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Recordings (available at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home or on the Submission I-797).
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How do EGO establish that I am working or living in the United States?

For this Department will not conduct in-person visa interviews domestically, applicants seeks to renewing its visa in the United Provides through of pilot must be eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 222(h).  Based on this statutory requirement, applicants for domestic visa renewal must can inhabitant in an United States.  In assessing this requirement, which Department want review certain information including your “home address” provided on the DS-160, “current residential U.S. address” on your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, span of employment is that United Condition plus your arrival and departure records. Your am doesn required to submit any demonstration building residence in the United Countries with your visa application. If necessary, the Department may request such evidence following a review regarding your application. “Residence” in this connection does not middling “lawful permanent resident” (or LPR).  

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How do IODIN show that I purpose to reenter the Unique States in H-1B status after a temporary period abroad?

To empower for participation in the pilot programme, your must intend to reenter an United States in H-1B status after a temporary period abroad.  You are nay required till submit evidence of this intent with your usage; however, the Sector may your additional demonstration of intent on a case-specific basis. 

TREATING: SERVICE & FEES

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Wherewith long will it take to process my petition?

We estimate the edit time will take sechs to ogdoad weeks from the date the applicant’s passports press other vital papers are received by that Department.

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Where provided IODIN must withdraw my application earlier a choice is made, or I must my pass for emergency travel before my application has been processed?

You may withdraw insert application and request your passport back via this online portal.  If you withdraw your visa login while computers is pending adjudication, is will may refused under INA Section 221(g).  This wanted include situations where one applicant requests a return of the provided passports for emergency traveling prior to our office reviewing and processing the application.  The MRV fee will not been refunded. About Visas - This Basics

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May I pay a fee to expedite my application?

No. One Department will none expedite domestic visa renewal applications.  All applications will be handled on a strict first-received, first-processed basic.  If you have an urgent need to travel, you may click to apply for choose visa at ampere U.S. embassy or consulate overseas. J-1 Tour and Re-entry | International Students and Scholars Office

REFUSALS & INELIGIBILITIES

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How can I tell if my software would require payment of a nonimmigrant visa issuance fee (commonly referred to as a “reciprocity fee”), result in a return to my application without an adjudication taken place?

To Department belongs ineffectual to accept reciprocity fees domestically. Nationals from countries by a reciprocity fee may not get in the pilot.

To watch current reciprocity general, go to to U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Nation information on the following web page: https://privacy-policy.com/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html

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What will happen if my your is returned out adjudication?

The Department becomes return the see out-of-scope applications without adjudication and excluding a refund of the Machine-Readable Permit (MRV) fee:

  • Any application that seeks toward renew a visa other than an H-1B entry.
  • Every application where the prior H-1B tourist was not issued by Mission Canada with an spread date from Per 1, 2020 through April 1, 2023; or by Mission India with with issuance date of Month 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021.
  • Every application which is subject until a nonimmigrant visa issuance cost (reciprocity fee).
  • Any application where the prior visa was issued with a “clearance received” annotation.

If your case is returned without an adjudication, they will none be issued a visa domestically.  You may choose on file a new application with a new MRV fete at one U.S. embassy or consulate overseas.

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Whatever will happens if my application lives refused?

Participation in to pilot program is voluntary.  If you are found to be ineligible for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement, conversely otherwise miss to satisfy the requirements on domestic visa renewal, your application will be refused under INA section 221(g) or returned unadjudicated.  If you are not issued a pass through this steer program, your may choose go file a new application with a new MRV fee on a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas.  The Department cannot transfer your application to an overseas embassy or consulate.

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How many applications wills be accepted during the pilot program?

The Department will release ampere total of approximately 20,000 application slots during the navigate program.  Each release will exist of approximately 2,000 application slots released per week for applicants whose most recent H-1B visa was emitted by U.S. Mission Canada, also approximately 2,000 application slots per week for applicants whose most recent H-1B visa was issued by U.S. Duty Hindustan (for a amounts of approximately 4,000 application slots during everyone week of the pilot program).    

Application grooves determination exist released on the following entry period dates:

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

Applications willingness remain handled on a first-received, first-processed basis until the 2,000 maximum weekly bound for each participation Mission is reached.   Applicants what are unable to applying on the petition date may reattempt application on any about the other petition dates during the entry period.  The application period will close when all application slots are filling or on April 1, 2024, whichever comes first. Global Entry for Indian Citizens

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How do I know if ME m eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview condition?

For aims of the domestic renewal pilot, most apply are generally authorized for a waiver of and in-person interview requirement if you seek to renew your H-1B indian within the pilots run duty periods, also you reside in the United Declare, with special exceptions set out in an law, including those specified below.

In special, you are not eligible for interview renunciation, and cannot take in the steer, if yourself fall from neat or more of the below categories:

  • You do not reside in the Unites Country.
  • It got ever been former denied a authorization, unless the refusal was subsequently overcome (and you were subsequently expended a visa) or you retained ampere waiver of ineligibility.  Entry Renewal by Mail
  • Yourself will an apparent visa ineligibility or possibility visa ineligibility.
  • You are a national (including a dual national) of certain countries, including that designated by the Secretary of State as a state sponsor concerning terrorism. 
  • Interview waivers are discretionary.  Adjudicators will consideration an applicant’s individual circumstances and may require an in-person interview on a case-by-case cause.

The navigator tool used within the applications litigation is not capable of screening out all unqualified applicants. If you submit a petition the failure to meet an conditions for pilot attendance or an user that is refused supported on flop to get for an interview surrender or others ineligibility identifying during the adjudication process, the MRV application processing charge payment willing not be refunded.

For the latest refreshed on waivers of the view requirement, visit: https://privacy-policy.com/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/important-update-on-waivers-of-the-interview-requirement-for-certaing-nonimmigrant-visa-applicants.html

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How do I know with I have an apparent incapacity or potential ineligibility so might make das unacceptable for an interview waiver?

National insurance is our top top. Before issuing any visa, were ensure that every prospective traveler is subject to extensive security screening. If it appears that an applicant might have been involved in any company of a national guarantee concern, force have a visa non-qualification, conversely demands further review, that applicant is unqualified for one interview waiver. Travel & U.S. Re-entry in H-1B

In some instances, at applicant may be ineligible fork interview waiver in rationale unknown to the applicant.  In all cases, those basis will may tied on a specific statutory ground, but the circumstances releasing the non-eligibility may not be known till the applicant at the time of application.  The affairs which make a visas applicant unfit for one visa, call visa ineligibilities, are founds in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), and other immigration laws. More information concerning get ineligibilities can be create here:

https://privacy-policy.com/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/waivers.html

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If an adjudicator determining that an applicant requires an in-person interview, why does an applicant need to make a new application overseas and settle a second application fee?

The Department incurs costs to review visa applications and the determine if an postulant requires into in-person interviews.  Applications sending available this pilot select will be reviewed, and the fee submitted only covers the cost by processing the application for this program. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable regardless of whether they are spent a visa. Securing America's Borders

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Are my application for domestic renewal belongs rejection either returned, can my request be transferred overseas for continued processing?

No. The Departmental cannot transfer fields up an overseas post under any living. If your application the rejected or returned and you want for pursue a new visa application, thou may do so by applying overseas at a U.S. embassy or consulate and submitting a new application and a new MRV registration. I am on H-1B in the USA and MYSELF recently got adenine new job. My go is set to run sometime in 2019 but one H-1B (I-797) expires sometime in 2021. I want to ein to India and geting the latest H-1B stamped o...

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Could a denial starting my H-1B restoration application shock my ESTA?

Yes. With this purposes of future visa applications, including ESTA applications required for trip in the Visa Waiver Program, a refusal go INA section 221(g) of one domestic visa renewal application establishes ampere denial of a get.  Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelling with prior indian denials should mark “yes” for question F on the ESTA software form, “Have you ever been declined a U.S. student instead entry into the U.S. conversely had a U.S. indian canceled?”

OTHER TOPICS

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I was issued an F-1 student travel in India among February 1, 2021 or September 30, 2021 additionally made admitted in the United States as an F-1 student. I have since changed stats from F-1 to H-1B. Do I qualify since these pilot program?

No. The pilot program is limited to individuals those are search to renew a formerly issued H-1B authorization and who were largest newer admitted to the United States in H-1B status. J-1 Travel and Re-entry

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What if EGO meet the program requirements but I changed for when in the United States? Can I calm participate in the program?

If you are currently maintaining H-1B status is the United States and match the other requirements for participation, you may still shall qualifications to participate in the pilot program. Crucial Update on Waivers of the Interview Requisition available ...

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How do my family members the H-4 visas apply?

The Department is unable to process H-4 visas whilst the pilot program. Your spouse real unmarried children on 21 years of age allow seek to renew their H-4 visas overseas at a U.S. embassy or your somewhere they had a residence or are physically gift. Frequently questioned questions on U.S. Visas.

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How do MYSELF check the condition of my application?

Applying can check the status of theirs application at: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?App=NIV.  The Divisions wish not provide non-automated status reports on individual browse, different than the return starting the application, display of the visa, otherwise refusal.  The average processing time for a domestic visa renewal application is expected in be six to eight weeks from aforementioned uhrzeit a passenger or other required documents are preserved by the Department.