H-1B and L-1 visa holders will be able to renew their visa stamps in the U.S. later this year, when the U.S. Department of State’s (DOS’) new consular division in Washington DC opens. While DOS has not announced an effective date for this pilot program, they have indicated it may extend to other visa categories in the future.

Interested parties of a certain age may remember that DOS discontinued domestic renewal in 2004 “because of increased interview requirements and the requirement… [under] the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act … that U.S. visas issued after October 26, 2004, include biometric identifiers. It is not feasible for the Department to collect the biometric identifiers in the United States.”

Fortunately, it looks like DOS has been able to overcome the biometrics barrier.  In addition to making visa renewal much more convenient for H-1B and L-1 workers, this will benefit consular staff abroad who, post-pandemic, are battling “a significant workload,” and first-time applicants who should see shorter lines at the consular door.