How do I renew my H-1B visa stamp in my passport?

Renewing the H-1B visa stamp in your passport is, as a rule, a consular procedure: even people already living in the United States typically renew the stamp outside the country, at an American embassy or consulate. The stamp in your passport serves as a reentry document and is separate from your H-1B status itself, which remains valid as long as your approved petition is in effect.

In practice, the process generally involves these steps:

• Gather your documents, such as your current passport, the previous visa stamp, and proof of employment and the approved H-1B petition, including the approval notice (I-797).
• Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application (DS-160) and pay the consular fee.
• Schedule and attend the interview at the embassy or consulate responsible for your region.

Each consulate has its own instructions and exact documentation requirements may vary, so always confirm the current steps on the official website of the relevant post. For visa rules and current fees, consult the official source, USCIS and the Department of State, or a qualified immigration professional.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.