The US Department of State has begun a pilot programme allowing 20,000 non-immigrant H1-B Visa holders to renew their visas in the USA without returning to their native countries for stamping. If successful, the programme would be extended to other categories. Marking a significant shift in the policy after two decades, the Department of State decided to allow in-country renewal of visas in certain petition-based temporary working Visas, particularly the most sought-after H-1B visa.