DOS Stateside Visa Renewal Pilot Program Expected In Early 2024

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) sent a Federal Register notice titled, "Pilot Program to Resume Renewal of H-1B Nonimmigrant Visas in the United States for Certain Qualified Noncitizens" to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on October 17, 2023. The program would allow the DOS to issue a visa stamp on a passport without the visa holder having to renew their visas at a U.S. consulate outside the United States. The notice provides additional information about the upcoming pilot program, which would initially limit itself to H-1B visa holders.

At present, all visa holders who wish to renew their U.S. nonimmigrant visas are required to leave the United States and schedule an interview appointment at a U.S. Consular/Embassy post abroad. While some individuals can qualify for interview waivers, which can cut down on the wait time, they must still depart the United States to process their visa renewal abroad and re-enter the United States. This process