The US government has some new information about H-1B visas. These visas are often used by people from India, and they may soon be able to renew their visas in the United States.
As of 2022, most H-1B visa holders are from India.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting the US, US officials have mentioned that they plan to start a test program for renewing certain work visas inside the US.
This would initially apply to some Indian citizens with H-1 and L visas, but they hope to expand it later on.
The test program will start with a small number of cases and then grow over the next one to two years.
It’s important to note that the US government hasn’t officially announced this new policy yet. H-1B visas are for people who come to the US to work in specialized jobs that require technical skills.
These visas are initially granted for three years and can be renewed for another three years.
Currently, H-1B visa holders have to go back to their home country and visit a US consulate to renew their visas because, since 2004, the US government hasn’t allowed visa renewals within the US.
Allowing visa renewals in the US will make things easier and reduce the workload on US embassies and consulates in India.
These offices have been dealing with a backlog of visa applications, which got worse during the COVID-19 pandemic and separated families.
During Prime Minister Modi’s visit, Indian and US officials will likely discuss this new initiative.
It’s seen as positive for both countries and their businesses.
Other important things from Modi’s visit include an agreement between General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to jointly produce engines for the Indian Air Force’s Tejas aircraft,
a plan for both countries to work together on a mission to the International Space Station, and Modi’s first press conference in years, where he answered questions from the press.
