Domestic Visa Renewal Modernization Act
Allows eligible holders of certain nonimmigrant visas to renew them from within the United States.
In the House Judiciary Committee since Oct. 1, 2026, 7 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROOCT 1, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Some temporary visitors and workers need visas to travel back to the United States. The proposal would let eligible holders of certain nonimmigrant visas renew from inside the country. Applicants would have to meet conditions including qualifying for an interview waiver and not owing a reciprocity fee.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Allow certain visas to be renewed domestically
The proposal would let eligible holders of E, certain H, I, L, O, and P nonimmigrant visas renew them from within the United States, without leaving the country for the renewal.
- Limit which visa holders can apply
Applicants would need a valid, unexpired visa in one of the listed categories and could not be ineligible for the visa they seek to renew. They also would need to qualify for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement and not be subject to a reciprocity fee.
- Require registration and petition eligibility
Applicants would need to have been registered and fingerprinted. If the visa requires a petition, they would need an approved, unexpired petition; applicants who temporarily left the United States would need to intend to return in one of the listed nonimmigrant categories.
For eligible visa holders, being able to renew without leaving the country could reduce the disruption involved in renewing a visa. The eligibility rules limit the option to people who meet specified conditions, so it would not apply to every nonimmigrant visa holder.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedOCT 1, 2026HOUSEOCT 1, 2026By Rep. Subramanyam with 5 original cosponsorsReferred to Judiciary
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeeOCT 1, 2026JUDICIARY NOWOCT 1, 2026In committee for 7 daysNo hearing yet
- 7 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- OCT 12026OCT 1, 2026REFERREDHOUSEReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- OCT 12026OCT 1, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 7, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
A coalition from 5 states
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. The smaller side has 1 member.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. The smaller side has 1 member.
Rep. Subramanyam’s record: sponsored 49 bills this Congress. 2 passed the House; 0 became law.
- Don BaconR-NE-2ORIGINAL
- Jonathan L. JacksonD-IL-1ORIGINAL
- Hank JohnsonD-GA-4ORIGINAL
- Raja KrishnamoorthiD-IL-8ORIGINAL
- Deborah K. RossD-NC-2ORIGINAL
- Yvette D. ClarkeD-NY-9OCT 6, 2026
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