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H1B Visa Stamping in USA for Indian Citizens Pilot Program
The pilot program for H1B visa stamping in the USA will accept applications from January 29, 2024, to April 1, 2024, for visas issued in India and Canada, with an MRV fee of $205. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for H1B visa stamping within the USA using the DS-160 form.
Table of Contents: H1B Visa Stamping in the USA
H1B Visa Stamping in USA Slots
There will be a maximum of 20,000 slots available. Specifically, 2,000 slots per week will be open for applicants whose last H1B visa was issued from India, and the same number of slots will be available for applicants with visas issued from Canada.
H1B Visa Stamping in USA | Issuance Dates |
For the recent H1B visas issued in India: 2000 slots per week | Feb 1, 2021 through Sept 30, 2021 |
For the recent H1B visas issued in Canada: 2000 slots per week | Jan 1, 2020 through Apr 1, 2023 |
Total slots = 20,000 |
Application slots will be released on the following dates:
January 29, 2024
February 5, 2024
February 12, 2024
February 19, 2024
February 26, 2024
H1B Visa Stamping in the USA Eligibility
This pilot program is exclusively for renewing H-1B nonimmigrant visas; other visa categories, including H-4 visas for dependent spouses and children, won't be processed under this initiative.
The prior H-1B visa being renewed must have been issued by
U.S. Mission Canada between January 1, 2020, and April 1, 2023,
U.S. Mission India between February 1, 2021, and September 30, 2021.
The applicant was most recently admitted to the United States in H-1B status.
Currently maintaining H-1B status in the United States.
Must possess an approved and unexpired H-1B petition.
The period of authorized admission in H-1B status has not expired.
Intending to reenter the United States in H-1B status after a temporary period abroad.
Applicants should not be subject to a nonimmigrant visa issuance fee (commonly known as a "reciprocity fee").
Eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement.
Must have submitted ten fingerprints to the Department in connection with a previous visa application.
The prior visa should not have a "clearance received" annotation.
Do not have a visa ineligibility that would require a waiver before visa issuance.
You can check your eligibility here: USCIS website
Documents Required for H1B Visa Stamping in the USA
According to USCIS guidelines, these are the documents required for H1B visa stamping in the USA:
Completed DS-160 form with barcode: Start here.
Passport valid for at least six months beyond the visa application date, with two blank pages. Recommended: Passport with the most recently issued H-1B visa
$205.00 non-refundable application fee paid online after completing DS-160
One passport-sized photograph
Copy of H1B approval notice (Form I-797)
Copy of Form I-94
Visit the USCIS website for more details.
FAQs on H1B Visa Stamping in the USA
For the domestic visa renewal pilot program, which location should I choose when filling out the DS-160 form?
You need to select 'US-DOMESTIC' while filling out the DS-160 form for the H1B visa renewal pilot program. To fill DS-160 form visit the CEAC website.
How to pay the MRV fee for H1B stamping in the USA?
You can make the payment of $205 on the USTravelDocs website after completing the DS-160 application.
How do H1B dependents get stamping done under this program?
Under this program, H1B dependents, specifically H4 visa holders, are currently not eligible for visa stamping in the USA. They need to renew overseas at a US embassy.
Thank you very important information. Do you have any idea, those whose H1B was issued last year, 2023 and expired recently, why can't apply for renewal in this program??