You will need to submit an application on a special website of the US State Department, which will begin its work closer to the start date of this program.
Before registering, the website will list the criteria for who qualifies for this program and is eligible to extend their H1-B visa without leaving the US. If you qualify, you will need to pay a visa extension fee – $205.
The opportunity to apply will open weekly on this dates:
January 29, 2024
February 5, 2024
February 12, 2024
February 19, 2024
February 26, 2024
The State Department’s dedicated website will only accept up to 4,000 applications per week – with a limit of 2,000 from applicants with H1-B visas issued by the US consulate in India, and 2,000 from applicants with H1-B visas issued by the US consulate in Canada. As soon as this number of applications is reached, the site will automatically stop accepting new ones, this opportunity will open again only on the next date.
After paying the fee, you will need to send supporting documents by USA Postal Service or courier service, all instructions will be on the website:
- Completed Form DS-160
- One recent passport size photo that meets the requirements listed on the website
- Passport with a validity of at least six months after the visa application date and containing at least one blank, unmarked page
- Copy of valid, unexpired H-1B petition approval, Form I-797
- Copy of a valid, unexpired Form I-94
Once these documents are received, the H1-B visa extension application will be reviewed and approved, or rejected if the applicant does not meet the criteria (and the application fee will not be refunded).
If the application is denied, the foreign national will need to apply for an H1-B visa extension at the U.S. consulate abroad on Form DS-160 and pay another application fee.
All applications under this program must be reviewed by May 1, 2024.