Before renewing your H-1B, check the latest USCIS fee updates and policy changes, and plan early to avoid delays reentering the U.S.

Your H-1B status remains valid as long as your employer files a timely extension and you still have an approved petition. Current proposals about higher fees are not yet law and won’t automatically block your renewal. You should stay in contact with your employer’s attorney for exact filing dates.

The biggest risk is timing. If your visa stamp expires before you reenter, you will need to attend an interview at a U.S. consulate to get a new visa stamp, which could be delayed by backlogs or policy changes.

The rumored $100,000 filing fee applies to certain high-volume petitioners, not to individual renewals like yours. Submitting your extension as early as USCIS allows gives you a safer buffer.

Even with the recent H-1B “saga,” renewals generally follow the same process: your employer files for an extension inside the U.S., and you attend a consular interview if your visa stamp has expired. Policy shifts might increase costs or processing times, but they don’t cancel legitimate petitions.

To avoid complications, gather all required employment letters and proof of continued work. Also check the U.S. consulate website in Turkey for appointment availability. Early action is key to minimizing stress.