H-1B Domestic
Visa Renewal Pilot
Renew Your H-1B Visa Stamp Without Leaving the United States
Starting January 29, 2024, the U.S. State Department launched a pilot program allowing certain H-1B visa holders to renew their visa stamps within the United States, eliminating the need to travel to a consulate abroad. This guide covers the eligibility criteria, application process, documentary requirements, and adjudication procedures for this groundbreaking program.
Program Overview
The H-1B Domestic Visa Renewal Pilot Program represents a significant shift in how H-1B visa holders can renew their visa stamps, allowing them to do so without leaving the United States.
What Is the Domestic Visa Renewal Pilot Program?
From January 29, 2024, through April 1, 2024, the U.S. State Department (DOS) is running a pilot program for processing visa stamp renewals within the United States. This eliminates the need for visa holders already living and working in the U.S. to travel to a consulate abroad for visa renewal.
This pilot program is limited to the H-1B category, but DOS hopes to offer stateside visa renewal to more categories of foreign workers in the U.S. by the end of 2024. Participation in the H-1B pilot program is entirely voluntary.
Why This Matters
Historically, H-1B visa holders whose visa stamps expired had to travel to a U.S. consulate abroad — often facing long wait times and potential delays — just to renew their visa. This pilot program allows eligible H-1B workers to complete the entire renewal process domestically, saving time, money, and disruption to their work and personal lives.
Eligibility Criteria
The pilot program has specific eligibility requirements that applicants must meet. Only principal H-1B applicants — not H-4 dependents — may participate.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is limited to principal H-1B applicants who meet all of the following criteria. H-4 dependents are not eligible to participate in this pilot program.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be seeking to renew an H-1B visa during the pilot phase.
- Must be renewing a prior H-1B visa issued in Canada with an issuance date from January 1, 2020 through April 1, 2023, or issued in India with an issuance date from February 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021.
- Must have an approved and unexpired H-1B petition, must have been most recently admitted to the U.S. in H-1B status, and must be maintaining H-1B status in the U.S.
- Period of authorized admission in H-1B status (I-94) must not have expired.
- Must not be subject to a nonimmigrant visa issuance (reciprocity) fee.
- Must be eligible for an in-person interview waiver.
- Must have submitted ten fingerprints to DOS in connection with a prior visa application (generally applies if you attended an interview at age 14 or older and your visa was issued in or after January 2008).
- Prior visa must not include a "clearance received" annotation.
- Must not have a visa ineligibility that would require a waiver prior to issuance (e.g., a criminal record).
- Must intend to reenter the U.S. in H-1B status after a temporary period abroad.
Important Note
Applicants should verify whether their country of nationality is subject to a reciprocity fee and confirm their eligibility for an in-person interview waiver before applying. These checks can be performed on the DOS website.
Application Periods & Slots
The DOS is releasing application slots on a rolling basis over several weeks. Slots are limited and the process will close once all slots are filled.
Application Slot Availability
DOS began accepting online applications for the pilot program starting January 29, 2024. Approximately 2,000 application slots are available for those whose most recent H-1B visa was issued in Canada, and another approximately 2,000 slots for those whose most recent H-1B visa was issued in India. The application process will close when all slots are filled.
Slot Release Dates
Application slots are being released on the following dates:
- January 29, 2024
- February 5, 2024
- February 12, 2024
- February 19, 2024
- February 26, 2024
Act Quickly
Slots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants should be prepared to submit their applications as soon as slots become available on each release date.
Application Process
The application process is conducted entirely online, with passports and supporting documents submitted by mail or courier service.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online via a dedicated DOS website. The process involves several steps, from eligibility screening through document submission.
Step 1: Select Your Consular Post
Choose the consular post of your most recent H-1B visa issuance — either Canada or India.
Step 2: Complete Eligibility Screening
Answer a series of questions to confirm your eligibility for the pilot program.
Step 3: Submit Form DS-160
Complete and submit the electronic Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application).
Step 4: Pay the MRV Fee
Pay the non-refundable, non-transferable Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee of $205 online.
Step 5: Mail Your Passport and Documents
Receive instructions through the online portal on how to send your passport and other required documents via mail or courier service to the DOS.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents as part of their application:
- A completed and electronically submitted Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
- One passport-style photograph.
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond the visa application date with a blank, unmarked page for placement of a visa foil.
- Original or copy of the applicant's current H-1B Approval Notice (Form I-797).
- Original or copy of the applicant's I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
Adjudication & Processing
Understanding how applications are reviewed and what to expect during the adjudication process is critical for managing expectations and planning accordingly.
How Applications Are Processed
Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. DOS expects an average processing time of 6 to 8 weeks from the time passports and documents are received. There is no expedited processing available, and domestic issuance of a visa through the pilot program is not guaranteed.
Applicants can check the status of their application online via the CEAC Status Tracker at ceac.state.gov.
What Happens If Your Application Is Refused?
Applications that are reviewed but do not satisfy one or more of the requirements for the pilot program will result in a refusal under INA 221(g) for an incomplete application or supporting documentation.
Depending on the specific reason for the refusal, one of two outcomes will occur:
- The applicant will be allowed to correct minor errors and/or submit outstanding or additional documentation or information before April 15, 2024.
- The applicant will be instructed to reapply by filing a new visa application at a consular post abroad, in which case a new MRV fee must be paid.
If Your Application Is Approved
If approved, DOS will return the passport with the issued visa and any submitted documents to the applicant via mail or courier service.
Key Reminders
- The MRV fee of $205 is non-refundable and non-transferable, even if your application is refused.
- There is no expedited processing — plan for 6 to 8 weeks without your passport.
- Approval through the pilot program is not guaranteed. Have a backup plan for consular processing abroad if needed.
- The pilot program authority is based on the Federal Register notice at 88 FR 88467.
Need Personalized Guidance?
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