U.S. State Department Has Begun Accepting Visa Applications for Beneficiaries of Approved H-1B Petitions with October 1, 2014 Start Date

As of July 3, 2014, Beneficiaries of approved H-1B Petitions authorizing an October 1, 2014 start date may apply for their H-1B visas at U.S. Consular Posts abroad.  

H-1B Beneficiaries who have not been approved for a “change of status” in the United States and instead are required to apply for an H-1B visa abroad prior to admission into the United States in H-1B status can now begin the visa application process by completing Form DS-160 (Application for Non-Immigrant Visa), paying the requisite visa fees, and scheduling their Visa Interviews at Consular Posts.

Importantly, individuals in possession of a valid, unexpired H-1B Visa for an October 1, 2014 start date are not  authorized to enter the United States in H-1B status until ten (10) days prior to the petition validity  date, or September 21, 2014. 

For more information regarding the visa application process at consular posts, please contact Kolko & Associates, P.C.