Texas H-1B workers denied license renewals over visa stamp issue

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has denied renewal applications for professional licenses from H-1B visa holders whose visa stamps have expired, even if their underlying immigration status remains valid. The policy affects workers in occupations such as engineering, accounting, and architecture who must hold state licenses to practice.

Under federal immigration rules, H-1B workers can maintain legal status through an approved petition and an I-94 arrival record, even if the visa stamp in their passport has expired. However, Texas regulators have interpreted the state's licensing law to require a valid visa stamp as proof of authorized stay.

The denials have left some workers unable to continue their jobs while they attempt to renew their visa stamps, a process that can require travel to a U.S. consulate abroad and take months. Advocates say the policy imposes an unnecessary burden on skilled workers who are already authorized to work in the United States.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has not publicly commented on the policy or indicated whether it plans to revise its interpretation of the law. Affected workers are seeking legal assistance to challenge the denials or obtain temporary relief.