Overview

• The US State Department has launched a pilot programme allowing a limited number of H1B visa holders to renew their visas domestically, without having to leave the country.
• The pilot programme will initially be limited to 20,000 participants, with the selection process for these candidates yet to be disclosed.
• Dependents of H1B visa holders, such as spouses and children, are currently excluded from the programme, a decision that has been met with disappointment from businesses and H1B professionals.
• The State Department has indicated that the programme is a 'huge change' and they need to ensure it works before considering its expansion to include dependents.
• Business organizations and their members are urging the State Department to include H-4 dependents when the pilot is expanded or made permanent.