Rep. Subramanyam urges expansion of H-1B visa renewals

“The current process to renew H-1B visas is cumbersome and needs to be modernized,” said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam.

Virginia State Senator Suhas Subramanyam / Image- Wikipedia

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to expand and formalize the domestic visa renewal process for H-1B and other low-risk visa categories.

Subramanyam along with Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Rich McCormick (R-GA), and 17 other lawmakers, emphasized the need to build upon the success of the 2024 pilot program that allowed eligible H-1B visa holders to renew their visas within the United States.

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In their letter, the lawmakers said the process improved domestic biometric capabilities and the need to reduce processing delays, costs, and burdens on U.S. embassies.

“The current process to renew H-1B visas is cumbersome and needs to be modernized,” said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam. “This bipartisan proposal, based on a successful bipartisan 2024 pilot program, will help streamline the H1-B process and avoid unnecessary processing delays.”

The 2024 pilot program, launched on Jan. 29, permitted 20,000 H-1B visa holders—half of whom were Indian nationals—to renew their visas domestically, eliminating the need for international travel. The program was limited to individuals whose previous visas were issued in India or Canada within specific timeframes and whose biometrics were already captured and reusable.

“The 2024 pilot program for domestic visa renewals was a commonsense success, and now it’s time to build on that momentum,” said Krishnamoorthi. “Expanding and formalizing this program will reduce red tape, strengthen our economy, and help ensure that the United States continues to attract and retain the best and brightest talent from around the world.”

Congressman McCormick stated that building on the pilot “will demonstrate that we can modernize our immigration system while maintaining security and efficiency,” while Congressman Krishnamoorthi added that expanding the program “will reduce red tape, strengthen our economy, and help ensure that the United States continues to attract and retain the best and brightest talent from around the world.”

The letter urges the State Department to include other visa categories such as E, I, L, O, and P, and to clarify eligibility criteria.

Immigration advocates, including the American Immigration Lawyers Association, FWD.us, the Institute for Progress, and the Economic Innovation Group, voiced support, citing the initiative’s potential to alleviate consular backlogs, retain high-skilled talent, and support U.S. economic competitiveness.

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