Modi's big announcement: H-1B visas can be renewed from US; to benefit huge number of Indian diaspora

PM Modi announced that a pilot program to issue H-1B visas to Indians will be launched by America which is likely to be expanded to all applicants from Indian-origin.

WASHINGTON: In a ground breaking announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that Indian-origin individuals will no longer be required to leave the United States for H-1B visa renewals. Addressing the Indian diaspora at the Ronald Regan Building in Washington on Friday, PM Modi said it would be rolled out as a pilot programme which would be further expanded to cover a larger number of Indians.

This significant development comes shortly after the United States expressed its intent to open two additional consulates - in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad - to strengthen people-to-people relationships. Modi informed the gathering that India will establish a new consulate in Seattle and two more in two other US cities.

PM Modi said, "It has now been decided that the H-1B visa renewal can be done in the US itself." This decision will alleviate the burden on Indian citizens seeking to live and work in the United States, streamlining the visa renewal process. The Prime Minister highlighted that this initiative will commence as a pilot program and could potentially expand to benefit a larger number of Indians in the future.

Currently, Indian nationals account for a substantial 73 percent of the nearly 442,000 H-1B workers in the fiscal year 2022, making them the most active users of the US H-1B program. The US embassy in New Delhi, one of the largest US diplomatic missions globally, oversees the operations of four consulates located in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad.

These consulates ensure the strength of the US-India relationship across the country. This recent announcement of opening new consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad further exemplifies the deepening ties between the two nations, PM Modi said.

PM Modi emphasised that India's potential is now being transformed into tangible achievements across various domains. He acknowledged the diverse audience present in the auditorium, representing different regions of India, and declared that a new and proud chapter in India-US relations has commenced.

He expressed gratitude towards President Joe Biden for his efforts in fostering this partnership. The Prime Minister's speech resonated deeply with the community in the United States, eliciting applause and a sense of euphoria. He underscored the convergence between India and the US on global issues and technology transfer, emphasizing the steps being taken by both nations towards a brighter future.

The announcement that Indian-origin individuals will no longer have to leave the US for H-1B visas was met with resounding cheers from the audience. Prime Minister Modi further emphasized that the India-US partnership aims to make the world a better place in the 21st century.

He stated, "Together we are not just forming policies and agreements; we are shaping lives, dreams, and destiny." Additionally, he highlighted India's accomplishments in empowering women and driving economic growth.