The U.S. Department of State (DOS) is scheduled to announce a pilot program to resume domestic H-1B visa renewal for qualified applicants who meet certain requirements. The Federal Register Notice announcing the program will be published on December 21, 2023. The pilot program will accept applications beginning January 29, 2024, through April 1, 2024. The program:

• Will be limited to H-1B principal visa holders only;
• Will be limited to nationals of countries that are not subject to reciprocity fees;
• Will include India as one of the eligible countries to participate in the pilot program; and
• Will be available for 20,000 applicants.

The initial launch of the program is intended to test a stateside renewal program. DOS has expressed its strong intent to expand this program once any kinks in the system are worked out through the launch of the pilot.

Ulmer’s Immigration Law Group is closely monitoring these developments and is prepared to support you and your organization with your business needs. Please reach out to our immigration attorneys if you have any questions.

The information provided in this client alert speaks only to the information and guidance we have available as of the date of publication and is subject to change. We will continue to follow further issued guidance and regulations and endeavor to post those updates via our website. This legal update was created by Ulmer & Berne LLP, and is not intended as a substitute for professional legal advice. Receipt of this client alert, by itself, does not create an attorney client relationship. For any questions, or for further information, please contact David W. Leopold at dleopold@ubglaw.com.