Due to increased delays in consular visa processing around the
world, the Department of State ("DOS") has initiated a
pilot program to issue a limited number of H-1B visa renewals from
within the United States. This program, which will begin
on January 29, 2024, is very welcome news, and should alleviate
some of the stress, uncertainty, costs, and delays associated with
foreign travel to obtain new visas for qualified nonimmigrants.
Background
For almost two decades, nonimmigrant visas have been issued by
U.S. Embassies and Consulates outside of the United States. As a
result, foreign nationals granted H-1B status to work in the U.S.
have been required to apply for an H-1B visa stamp at a U.S.
Embassy or Consulate abroad in order to apply for admission to
enter the U.S. in H-1B status (except for most Canadians). The visa
application process typically includes an in-person interview at a
U.S. Consulate abroad, unless that interview is waived in certain
