H-1B pilot programme allowing domestic renewal of US work permits to leave out dependents
According to a Forbes report, the new pilot program aimed at streamlining the renewal process for H-1B visas comes with a notable exclusion — it will only apply to principal H-1B visa holders, leaving out their dependents.
The decision, although bringing relief to numerous H-1B professionals who can now renew their visas without leaving the United States, has triggered concerns among those with families in America. The omission of spouses and children from the renewal program has left many businesses disappointed.
While the move is seen as a positive step for individual H-1B employees, business organizations and their members are advocating for a broader scope in the future. There is a collective call for the State Department to consider including H-4 dependents in the pilot program as it expands or transitions into a permanent initiative.
From January, the State Department will allow 20,000 H-1B visa holders undergo the visa renewal process within the United States.
US to begin domestic H-1B visa renewals this December
The programme, which was proposed in February and formally announced in September during prime minister Narendra Modi’s US visit. Visa holders currently wait an average of 130 days, or 6-8 weeks, to secure a visa appointment in their home country, and cannot travel internationally without renewing the visa every three years.
«We want to make sure that Indian travellers can get appointments as quickly as possible. One way we are doing that is through the domestic visa renewal programme, which is focused very much on India. We are piloting that,» Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services, said.
Over a period of three months, beginning in December, the
