US launches fresh 5-week selection criteria for H-1B visa
The united states has officially begun a pilot plan to renew the highly sought-after H-1B international work visas locally, a move that is expected to help thousands of indian technology workers. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that permits US employers to hire foreign workers in specialised jobs requiring theoretical or technical knowledge. Every year, technology businesses rely on it to hire tens of thousands of personnel from nations such as india and China.
Launched on january 29, the experimental renewal plan will continue until april 1. It will allow H-1B visa holders who are currently in status to renew their visas in the united states prior to a temporary journey overseas. An declaration in this respect was made during prime minister Narendra Modi's historic State visit in june last year.
The State Department said on monday that the pilot programme would take applications from january 29, 2024, until april 1, 2024, or until all application slots are filled, whichever comes first.
This is the first time in over two decades that a restricted number of H-1B nonimmigrants will be able to renew their visas from within the United States.
The State Department stated that the pilot programme is voluntary and will accept approximately 4,000 applications per week, with 2,000 for applicants whose prior H-1B visas were issued by its diplomatic missions in canada and another 2,000 for applicants whose prior H-1B visas were issued by US embassies and consulates in India.
Application slots will be available on january 29, february 5, february 12, february 19, and february 26. Applicants will only be able to apply through the portal linked below during the above-mentioned periods, and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the weekly maximum is met.
"Applicants who are unable to apply on a certain application day may reapply on any of the remaining application dates throughout the entrance term. "The application period will end when all application slots have been filled or on april 1, 2024, whichever comes first," it stated.
The projected processing period is six to eight weeks from the moment the state department receives the applicant's passport and other relevant papers.
According to the State Department, all applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.
"Individuals who do not meet the requirements for participation in the pilot programme, or those who choose not to participate in the pilot programme, may continue to apply for visa renewal at a US embassy or consulate overseas," the State Department said in a statement.
Launched on january 29, the experimental renewal plan will continue until april 1. It will allow H-1B visa holders who are currently in status to renew their visas in the united states prior to a temporary journey overseas. An declaration in this respect was made during prime minister Narendra Modi's historic State visit in june last year.
The State Department said on monday that the pilot programme would take applications from january 29, 2024, until april 1, 2024, or until all application slots are filled, whichever comes first.
This is the first time in over two decades that a restricted number of H-1B nonimmigrants will be able to renew their visas from within the United States.
The State Department stated that the pilot programme is voluntary and will accept approximately 4,000 applications per week, with 2,000 for applicants whose prior H-1B visas were issued by its diplomatic missions in canada and another 2,000 for applicants whose prior H-1B visas were issued by US embassies and consulates in India.
Application slots will be available on january 29, february 5, february 12, february 19, and february 26. Applicants will only be able to apply through the portal linked below during the above-mentioned periods, and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the weekly maximum is met.
"Applicants who are unable to apply on a certain application day may reapply on any of the remaining application dates throughout the entrance term. "The application period will end when all application slots have been filled or on april 1, 2024, whichever comes first," it stated.
The projected processing period is six to eight weeks from the moment the state department receives the applicant's passport and other relevant papers.
According to the State Department, all applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.
"Individuals who do not meet the requirements for participation in the pilot programme, or those who choose not to participate in the pilot programme, may continue to apply for visa renewal at a US embassy or consulate overseas," the State Department said in a statement.