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DOS Expected to Begin Stateside Visa Renewal Pilot in Early 2024
  • The U.S. Department of State (DOS) plans to start a pilot program called "Stateside Visa Renewal" for certain qualified noncitizens.

  • This program is aimed at reducing delays in visa renewal, especially for H-1B nonimmigrant visa holders in the United States.

  • The DOS sent a Notice for Review, which outlines the eligibility criteria for the program, to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

  • The program is expected to begin in early 2024.

  • Initially, it will only be available for H-1B visa holders, and applicants must be from countries that don't require reciprocity fees. India is one of the eligible countries.

  • Applicants will need to meet eligibility requirements similar to those for the interview waiver program.

  • The program will be open to 20,000 applicants, and participation is voluntary.

  • This initial launch is a pilot program to test its operational effectiveness. The DOS plans to expand it if the pilot phase is successful.

  • AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) is actively monitoring and engaging with DOS on the development of this program.

  • AILA aims to ensure the success and expansion of the pilot program and encourages its members to provide feedback through the "Report a Trend" survey on the DOS Liaison Committee page.

Learn More

DHS Announces Start of Applications for Visa-Free Travel to U.S. for Eligible Israeli Citizens and Nationals

 
  • Starting yesterday, Thursday, October 19, eligible Israeli citizens and nationals can start applying for authorization to travel to the United States through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
  • Initially, the implementation was not going to occur until November 30, 2023, but CBP moved it forward to 10/19/2023 (yesterday) as a result of the current situation in Israel.
  • This development follows Israel's admission into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.

  • Eligible Israeli citizens and nationals can now apply for travel authorization to the United States through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

  • Israel was designated into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program on September 26, 2023, allowing eligible travelers to apply online for authorization to visit the U.S. for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without needing a U.S. visa.

  • Israeli citizens with valid B-1/B-2 visas may continue to use them for business and tourist travel to the United States.

  • Participation in the Visa Waiver Program requires reciprocity, meaning the participating country extends similar privileges to U.S. citizens. Israel has made commitments regarding U.S. citizens traveling to Israel.

  • Eligible Israeli citizens and nationals must have a biometrically enabled passport book for this visa-free travel.

  • ESTA applications may take up to 72 hours for processing and are initially available in English, with other languages becoming available by November 1, 2023.

  • ESTA is an automated system that determines eligibility for travel under the Visa Waiver Program and assesses any law enforcement or security risks.

  • Individuals traveling under this program for longer than 90 days may face inadmissibility to the U.S., and overstaying the authorized period can result in removal and ineligibility for future Visa Waiver Program travel.

  • Traveling with a visa may still be the preferred choice for travelers planning to stay in the U.S. longer than 90 days or considering changes in status during their visit.

  • ESTA applications can be submitted online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov or via the "ESTA Mobile" app available on iOS and Google Play Store.
Learn More
Please contact us at info@klugfirm.com or (212) 495-9245 for assistance.

You can access our previous Client Alerts
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