The US Department of State (DOS) has taken an important step towards implementing a domestic visa renewal pilot program that could benefit H-1B visa holders, many of whom are Indians. The DOS has sent a draft notice of the program to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, marking the first stage in the regulatory process. Under the current system, US visa holders can renew or change their immigration status from within the country and stay for the duration of their valid visa. However, problems arise when they need to travel abroad and get a visa stamp at the US Embassy.

Due to limited visa appointments, many individuals have found themselves stranded in their home countries for an extended period, unable to resume work or join family members in the US. The need for a solution to this issue was highlighted during the pandemic, when H-1B visa holders faced difficulties returning to the US from emergency trips to their home countries. In response, the Joint statement from US and India, released by the White House on June 22, 2022, mentioned a pilot program that would enable visa stamping within the US.

While details of the pilot program remain confidential until released by the DOS, immigration experts predict that it will initially allow eligible H-1B visa holders to renew their visas without the need to travel to a US consulate abroad. The program is expected to expand to other nonimmigrant visa categories in the future. Once the OMB clears the program, the DOS will publish a notice in the Federal Register that outlines eligibility criteria, application procedures, and the start date for accepting applications. This process typically takes a few months, meaning the program could be launched later this year. It is important to note that stamping within the US was previously allowed but was discontinued in 2004 due to security requirements, such as biometric data collection.

The DOS deemed it impractical to gather biometrics for applicants within the US. However, the proposed pilot program aims to address these challenges and provide a much-needed solution for visa holders. The implementation of this program will potentially ease the burden on H-1B visa holders and other nonimmigrant visa holders, allowing them to renew their visas without the need for travel outside the US. This could significantly reduce the time, cost, and inconvenience associated with visa stamping, enabling individuals to more effectively manage their work and personal commitments across borders.