Important Update on Waivers of the Interview Requirement for Certain Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants
There is nothing better than starting the new year off with good news! Both the business sector and higher education has been pushing the U.S. Department of State (DOS) to make COVID-era interview waivers permanent. DOS has gone on record sharing that part of their success in clearing the backlog of visa requests was in part due to their ability to utilize the interview waiver policy. Both the business sector and higher education pushed both DOS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to make permanent this policy — and it worked.
To be eligible for an interview waiver, applicants must also meet certain criteria, including that they:
apply in their country of nationality or residence
have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived)
have no apparent or potential ineligibility
Read more on the State Department website >
USCIS Updates Policy Guidance for International Students
Keeping the theme of good news going, here is another positive change for international students and OPT options. Students are now allowed to pursue post-graduation STEM OPT options with start-ups. USCIS has updated their guidelines allowing for more opportunities for international students.
“Kate Moore, principal and co-founder of the Global Career Center, told The PIE that the expansion of options to include start up environments – that are able to meet compliance requirements – provides students with several key benefits including exposure to a ‘uniquely American innovation ecosystem’, as well as direct experience with entrepreneurship and an ability to navigate a fast moving startup.”
Get more details on The PIE News >
Department of State Announces Pilot Program for Renewal of Certain H-1B Nonimmigrant Visas
This pilot program has been in the works for almost a year and finally, it is about to begin. While this pilot is all about H-1B visa renewals, the potential long-term impact will matter for student applicants. The current policy for H-1B renewals requires visa holders to renew their visas with an in-person interview. In India, these interviews take valuable visa appointment slots. If successful, this pilot program has the potential to free up visa slots and could lead to other positive changes in visa renewals. Our team will keep you posted!
In 2004, the DOS discontinued the domestic renewal of non-diplomatic visas due to enhanced requirements based on the passage of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002, which required that U.S. visas issued after October 26, 2004, include biometric identifiers (collection of the applicant’s fingerprints). With the development of new technologies and improved technologies, however, the DOS has decided to reintroduce the domestic renewal process for specific nonimmigrant classifications. The goal of this pilot program is to test the DOS’ ability to process domestic visa renewals and assess the impact on reducing worldwide visa waiting times.
Learn more on Littler Global >
