In a significant development, the United States is beginning a pilot program for the domestic renewal of specific categories of H-1B visas starting in December. This move is expected to significantly benefit a substantial number of Indian technology professionals, according to Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services.
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- When was the plan announced?
- An India-centric approach
- How will the measure benefit Indians in the United States?
- Practical Details of the Program
- Indian-Americans applaud the move
When was the plan announced?
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The program, officially announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit in June, aims to address the high demand for US visas in India. Long wait times, ranging from six to twelve months, are considered impractical, prompting the launch of the national visa renewal initiative.
An India-centric approach
Julie Stufft stated: “We want to make sure Indian travelers can get appointments as quickly as possible. “One way to do this is through the domestic visa renewal program, which is largely focused on India.” During the first three months, the State Department plans to issue 20,000 visas, primarily to Indian citizens residing in the United States.
How will the measure benefit Indians in the United States?
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Since Indians constitute the largest group of skilled workers in the United States, the program is expected to significantly benefit India. It will also prevent people from having to travel back to India for visa renewal appointments, allowing US missions in India to prioritize new applicants.
Practical Details of the Program
A Federal Register notice outlining details of the program is expected soon. Stufft explained that the visas will be processed within the US, eliminating the need for people to travel to other countries to renew them. The program excludes work visas and aims to renew visas for long-term US residents.
Indian-Americans applaud the move
Indian-American community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria welcomed the development, describing it as a “significant” relief for more than a million H-1B visa holders, many of whom are Indians.
Bhutoria recognized the efforts of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, recommending policy changes for legal immigrants.
Representative image / Unsplash
Reflecting on the progress, Bhutoria emphasized that the move demonstrates a society moving toward inclusion, with its commitment to advocating for more policy changes that ease burdens for legal immigrants.
(With input from PTI)
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Source: vtt.edu.vn