The US State Department is set to launch a pilot program for H-1B visa renewal within the United States, commencing in late January 2024. The initiative targets 20,000 H-1B workers who obtained visas in India (Feb 2021 – Sept 2021) or Canada (Jan 2020 – Apr 2023). The application process opens on Jan 29, 2024, with 4,000 weekly slots available on a first-come-first-served basis, split evenly between India and Canada. Notably, H-4 visa renewals are excluded from this pilot. The program aims to alleviate the lengthy wait times and travel disruptions faced by visa holders, enhancing travel certainty for workers and easing business travel restrictions.
