Your essential guide to H1-B visa stamping in the USA
Official details about H1-B pilot program and guide how to use it.
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Market: Stocks have been on a winning streak for eight weeks, as investors welcomed the Fed’s decision to hold interest rates steady. The S&P 500 and the Dow reached new highs, while consumer prices fell for the first time in over a year. The market shrugged off a brief dip on Wednesday and a disappointing outlook from FedEx. With little news expected in the final trading days of the year, stocks could end 2023 with a global gain of more than 20%. Market breadth has improved, as more sectors and companies have contributed to the rally.
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Official Details Unveiled for H1B Domestic Visa Renewal Program
In an earlier post, we gave a glimpse of the upcoming H1B pilot program. Now, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has officially released the details of the anticipated pilot program for H1B visa renewals within the United States, satisfying the curiosity of many. The program, accepting applications from January 29 to April 1, 2024, comes as a pivotal move with transformative potential.
Limited Eligibility Criteria:
Qualifying for the pilot domestic visa renewal program demands meeting stringent criteria, with the applicant's prior H1B visa being issued by Mission Canada or Mission India within specific date ranges. The application process is now official, and participants must adhere to the detailed eligibility outlined by the DOS.
Pilot Program and Requirements for Participation:
Participation in this pilot will be limited to applicants who(se):
1. Are seeking to renew an H–1B visa; during the pilot phase, the Department will not process any other visa classifications;
2. Prior H–1B visa that is being renewed was issued by Mission Canada with an issuance date from January 1, 2020, through April 1, 2023; or by Mission India with an issuance date of February 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021;
3. Are not subject to a nonimmigrant visa issuance fee (Note: this is commonly referred to as a “reciprocity fee”);
4. Are eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement;
5. Have submitted ten fingerprints to the Department in connection with a previous visa application;
6. Prior visa does not include a “clearance received” annotation;
7. Do not have a visa ineligibility that would require a waiver prior to visa issuance;
8. Have an approved and unexpired H–1B petition;
9. Were most recently admitted to the United States in H–1B status;
10. Are currently maintaining H–1B status in the United States;
11. Period of authorized admission in H–1B status has not expired;
12. Intend to reenter the United States in H–1B status after a temporary period abroad.
Application Period and Procedures:
Starting January 29, 2024, applicants can submit their applications online through the dedicated portal. The DOS plans to release approximately 2,000 application slots for applicants whose most recent H–1B visas were issued by Mission Canada, and approximately 2,000 application slots for those whose most recent H–1B visas were issued by Mission India (approximately 4,000 total each week) on the following dates:
January 29
February 5
February 12
February 19
February 26
The application period closes on April 1, 2024, or when all slots are filled.
Required Documents and Fee Payment:
Applicants need to submit essential documents, including the DS-160 form, a passport-styled photograph, a valid passport, current Form I-797, and Form I-94. Additionally, a non-refundable MRV fee of $205 must be paid via the online portal.
Application Processing and Expected Timeline:
Applications will be processed in the order received, with an expected processing time of six to eight weeks. The DOS aims to complete processing by May 1, 2024, emphasizing that domestic issuance of a visa through the pilot program is not guaranteed.
Out-of-Scope Case Returns and Visa Refusals:
The DOS specifies that cases falling outside the pilot's scope will be returned without adjudication. Visa applications may be refused under section 221(g) of the INA if applicants are found ineligible for a waiver or fail to satisfy renewal requirements.
The DOS encourages stakeholders to submit written comments and related materials by midnight on April 15, 2024, shaping the future of this pioneering initiative. Interested parties can submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal.
Federal Register Notice : Click here
#SettleWiseStance – Many express frustration over the limitations of the H1B domestic visa renewal program, particularly its exclusion of H4 visa holders. However, it's crucial to recognize that this program is a pilot, a testing ground for future improvements. Simplicity is often the key to success, and while this may not be the comprehensive solution many were hoping for, it marks a promising start. The program's potential usefulness for those who need to travel for work or emergency personal visits to their home countries should not be underestimated. It's a step forward and we hope to see all visas included soon.
News Nuggets
USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2024 H-1B Cap. Click here
'Largest domestic deportation operation in American history' if Trump elected. Click here
Federal Reserve's favored inflation gauge tumbles in November. Click here
German property prices plummet as housing bubble bursts. Click here
‘The Cramer prediction is alarming’: Elon Musk slams. Click here
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