The U.S. Department of State (DOS) released guidance and FAQs on the pilot program to resume domestic visa renewals for qualified H-1B nonimmigrant visa applicants who meet certain requirements. Applications will be accepted between January 29, and April 1, 2024, or when all application slots are filled, whichever comes first.

The Department is set to release a maximum of 20,000 application slots as part of this restricted pilot program. Specifically, around 2,000 slots per week will be allocated for individuals whose most recent H-1B visa was issued by U.S. Mission Canada, with an issuance date falling within the period of January 1, 2020, through April 1, 2023. Additionally, an equivalent number of approximately 2,000 slots per week will be made available for applicants whose most recent H-1B visa was issued by U.S. Mission India, covering the issuance period from February 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021.

DOS also provides an online navigator tool that will guide interested participants through a series of questions to help assess whether the person qualifies to participate in the H-1B Domestic Renewal Pilot Program.