#Form ds 160 sample how to

This process can be both time-consuming and burdensome on visa holders.” While some individuals can qualify for interview waivers, which can cut down on the wait time, they must still depart the United States to process their visa renewal abroad and re-enter the United States. visas are required to leave the United States and schedule an interview appointment at a U.S. “At present, all visa holders who wish to renew their U.S.

consular posts abroad when it comes to requests for visa renewal interview appointments,” said George Michael Thompson, an attorney in the Washington, D.C., office of Littler. “The launch of such a program is an important step that will greatly reduce the backlog at U.S. If the pilot program proves successful, however, the government’s goal is to expand the program’s eligibility to other visa categories and individuals. Dependent H-4 visa holders (the spouses and children of H-1B workers) and other temporary workers such as L-1 employees don’t qualify for domestic visa renewals for now. The program is limited to nationals of countries that are not subject to reciprocity fees. Applicants will receive instructions on submitting their passport and required application documents to the State Department. If they are eligible, they must then submit Form DS-160 and pay the required $205 nonrefundable application fee online. 26, 2024.Įach applicant must first complete a self-guided questionnaire to determine eligibility. The pilot will be limited to 20,000 H-1B workers-10,000 each from Canada and India-and will close on April 1, 2024, or when all application slots are filled, whichever comes earlier.Īpproximately 4,000 application slots will be released weekly between Jan. The pilot program will be limited to eligible foreign nationals who received an H-1B visa from:

#Form ds 160 sample how to

Full details on eligibility criteria and how to apply were released Dec. The program will allow eligible applicants to renew an H-1B visa in the U.S. Department of State’s domestic visa renewal program starting Jan. A small number of H-1B workers will have the opportunity to participate in the U.S.