H-1 B Visa

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Context: The H-1B Visa Domestic Renewal Program was launched by the US Department of State as a pilot program that allows certain H-1B visa holders to renew their visas domestically, without having to travel abroad.

About H-1B Visa

• The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise, with technology companies often relying on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

H-1B Visa Renewal Program

• Launched on January 29, 2024, the pilot renewal program will run until April 1, 2024.
• The pilot program is voluntary and will accept approximately 4,000 applications each week, divided into 2,000 slots for applicants whose prior H-1B visas were issued by diplomatic missions in Canada and another 2,000 slots for applicants whose prior visas were issued by US embassies and consulates in India.
• Applicants can only apply through the designated portal, with applications processed on a first-received, first-processed basis until the weekly limit is reached.

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