The pilot programme for H-1B visa renewal will run from January 29 to April 1, accepting approximately 4,000 applications per week. H-1B visa holders will be able to renew their visas in the US before a temporary trip abroad through the pilot programme, which is voluntary.
"We are really proud of what we have done in India this year. I think for the first time in history, we set a goal to issue one million visas in India and not only did we accomplish that, but it was done several months in advance. So, the number will go way beyond that," said ulie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services.
"In some overseas locations, we still have very high wait times, some exceeding a year still for one category of visa, which is a first-time visitor, someone who needs an interview for their visa," the official said.
In an interview, Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services, said, "In India, the demand (for US visas) is still very high. The wait time of six, eight and 12 months is not what we need and (it is) not indicative of how we view India."