Published: February 20, 2023
In late 2023, the State Department will launch a pilot program allowing the stateside renewal of visas for H-1B specialty occupation workers and other temporary visa holders. At the moment, H-1B visa holders and others must leave the US territory and travel abroad to process the said renewal.
Applicable Visa Categories
According to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the renewal program will initially cover H-1B and L-1 visa categories. The bureau may cover more categories in the future.
Practical and Much Needed Change
The stateside renewal option once existed before 2004. Reinstating this old rule and integrating essential improvements will benefit many immigrants. It will greatly reduce visa bottlenecks abroad and prevent the disruption of employment in the United States.
It also provides visa holders more certainty and flexibility to take work trips or vacation overseas. Sometimes, it takes months before immigrants can secure appointments for visa renewal.
Visa Renewal Attorneys in Los Angeles, California
Renewing a visa, regardless of category, can be a rigorous process. It entails technical prowess, patience, and high organizational capabilities. Working with experienced immigration attorneys can ease potential complications that non-experts experience due to their lack of pertinent knowledge and experience.
ALG Lawyers is constantly ready to render its immigration services.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)