State department plans to resume domestic visa renewals
DOS plans to restore domestic visa renewals — where it stands and how to prepare
For the first time in two decades, the State Department tested stateside visa renewal with a limited H-1B pilot (Jan 29–Apr 1, 2024). Roughly 20,000 slots were offered to narrowly defined H-1B workers so they could renew a visa without leaving the U.S. The pilot’s ground rules and dates were set in a Federal Register notice, with DOS confirming key details on Travel.State.Gov.
Current status (late 2025).
DOS has not announced a permanent, expanded program yet. Keep watching official DOS channels and the appointment-service announcements for changes.
What the pilot tells us about likely future rules
- Initial phases may focus on H-1B principals only (not H-4 dependents).
- Eligibility favored low-risk, same-class renewals, with prior visas issued by specific posts (India/Canada in the pilot) and no pending security advisory opinions.
- Processing was mail-in, no interview, through a domestic DOS unit, with strict document checklists and fixed application windows.
Why employers and workers care
Domestic renewal reduces consular backlogs, 221(g) surprise delays, and project disruption from international trips solely for stamping—critical for lean teams and time-sensitive work.
How to get ready now (so you can move day one)
- Document kit: Valid passport (6+ months), latest I-797, I-94 printout, prior visa foil(s), and DS-160 data saved.
- Job alignment: Ensure title, wage, LCA worksite, and duties match the petition.
- Biographic consistency: Resolve name/DOB mismatches across HR, SSA, USCIS, and prior visas to avoid manual review.
- Travel strategy: If overseas stamping is optional, consider delaying discretionary trips until DOS announces next steps; otherwise, book consular appointments early.
Bottom line
The 2024 H-1B pilot proved feasibility of domestic renewals, but broad restoration awaits a new DOS announcement. Monitor Travel.State.Gov and the Federal Register—and keep a decision-ready file so you can claim a slot as soon as the program expands.