Once you obtain a visa in the United States, you’ll need to renew it before the listed expiration date in order to lawfully stay in this country. Thankfully, recent immigration programs have made the renewal process much easier. Are you a US visa holder? You might have heard about the State Department’s new pilot program offering visa renewal which is set to launch later this year. If you’re looking for more information about this, you’ve come to the right place! Continue reading this blog to find out more information from our knowledgeable law firm. Feel free to reach out to a Temporary Visas Immigration Lawyer in New York City who can provide individualized legal counseling.
WHAT IS THE NEW PILOT PROGRAM OFFERING VISA RENEWAL?
In previous decades, the State Department had a federal visa renewal program, but the Department decided to discontinue this program in 2004. Now, in 2023, the State Department is planning to reinstate this same program to hopefully simplify the renewal process. Though the program is obviously directed toward those who need to renew their visas, this will also benefit first-time visa applicants by minimizing wait times at United States consular offices. Once implemented, H and L visa holders will be able to renew their visas in this country instead of needing to travel overseas to renew their visas at US consulates. The State Department decided to reinstate this program when temporary visa holders struggled to return home during the pandemic. H and L visa holders mainly include specialty occupation workers and managerial workers.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM ELIGIBLE?
This program is intended mainly for domestic visa holders. Currently, only L-1 visa holders and H-1B visa holders will be eligible to apply for the new program. But if you hold a different type of visa, don’t lose hope just yet. The program has not yet begun, and the State Department still hasn’t released many details about how these new proceedings will work. The good news, though, is that the State Department may expand this visa renewal program in the future to include more visa holders. The program is set to launch this fall; the exact date is currently TBA.
If you’re a United States visa holder currently living in New York City, you deserve a trustworthy and dedicated immigration lawyer at your side to help you protect your rights. Thankfully, our highly experienced legal team is on your side! Contact the Law Offices of Cheryl R. David today for an initial consultation.
