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Right here’s one other version of “Pricey Sophie,” the recommendation column that solutions immigration-related questions on working at know-how corporations.
“Your questions are important to the unfold of data that permits individuals everywhere in the world to rise above borders and pursue their goals,” says Sophie Alcorn, a Silicon Valley immigration legal professional. “Whether or not you’re in individuals ops, a founder or looking for a job in Silicon Valley, I’d like to reply your questions in my subsequent column.”
TechCrunch+ members obtain entry to weekly “Pricey Sophie” columns; use promo code ALCORN to buy a one- or two-year subscription for 50% off.
Pricey Sophie,
I’m within the U.S. on an H-1B, which my employer just lately prolonged. Nevertheless, I don’t have an H-1B visa stamp in my passport as a result of I initially had a change of standing from F-1 STEM OPT.
It’s been greater than three years since I visited my household in India and I’d love to do this now, however I fear about how lengthy it’ll take to get my H-1B visa to return to the U.S.
How lengthy will it take to get an interview for an H-1B visa stamp? Am I eligible for a visa interview waiver? How do I get one? Can I do it from the U.S. this 12 months?
— Hungry for Dwelling
Pricey Hungry,
I’m sorry to listen to you’ve been separated out of your family members for therefore lengthy. I really admire your power and resilience.
We’re excited to share some long-awaited information that will assist you and others and supply some context about acquiring a visa stamp or visa stamp renewal.
Many individuals who’ve renewed their visa or modified to a different visa class have postpone touring overseas for worry of not having the ability to promptly return to the U.S. We nonetheless advise our shoppers who want visas to keep away from worldwide journey if potential, as a result of acquiring a visa could be so dangerous. The scenario is gradual to alter and the present established order may even stay in impact after this March’s upcoming H-1B visa lottery.
Though the U.S. Division of State (DoS) has applied insurance policies to scale back the time it takes to acquire a visa stamp at U.S. embassies and consulates overseas, delays proceed.
Nevertheless, there’s a likelihood we could get a technique to get hold of a visa with out worldwide journey later this 12 months.
Pilot program for visa stamp renewals within the U.S.
The DoS plans to run a pilot program later this 12 months that can enable H and L visa holders to resume the stamps of their passports whereas they’re in america. At the moment, visa holders should journey overseas to acquire a visa foil of their passports (typically nicknamed a “visa stamp”) from a U.S. embassy or consulate.
The DoS plans to arrange a brand new consular division in Washington, D.C., to start processing renewals for H and L visas later this 12 months, based on Bloomberg Legislation. Many individuals have been advocating for this for years. The DoS used to course of renewals for a lot of classes, together with E, H, L, and O visas, domestically till 2004, when nationwide safety legal guidelines started requiring biometric knowledge assortment from visa candidates.
Since then, the DoS has required all visa candidates who undergo the change of standing course of within the U.S., apart from sure diplomatic and different visa candidates, to get a visa stamp at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas.
Now, let me dive into your questions.
Ready occasions for H-1B visa interviews
The DoS has a visa appointment wait occasions web page that lets you examine wait occasions at U.S. embassies and consulates. The wait occasions can range relying on the place you’re in India, however they alter on a regular basis.
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