A pilot program from the U.S. Department of State will begin later this year allowing domestic renewal of H-1B and L visa holders who qualify and are currently required to travel to have their documents renewed. The option to renew documents within the United States was discontinued in 2004.

Benefits of stateside renewal include a reduction in the workload of U.S. consular offices abroad. In addition, it eliminates the need for qualifying visa holders to travel. During the pandemic, it was incredibly difficult for these visa holders to exit the U.S. and return. From that experience, the discussion began to reconsider stateside renewal.

H-1B visas are valid for an initial three-year period. They then can be renewed for an additional three years. Beyond that period, additional extensions are allowed with an approved green card petition. Similar requirements apply to L visa holders. By offering domestic renewal of H-1B and L visas, U.S. consular offices in countries with the biggest source of H-1B holders, including India and China, are freed up to address ongoing backlogs. Additionally, employers are not affected when a visa holder must leave the country and return.

Domestic processing does not require any new regulations. However, a new consular division must be created in Washington, DC.

ILBSG will continue to monitor further announcements and inform our clients on the best approach to take advantage of this pilot program.

If you have questions about the H-1B or L visa or any other immigration-related issue, please contact us. We actively monitor ongoing updates to policy and procedures to ensure our clients get the right advice for their particular situations.