Visa stamping expired: H-1Bs in Texas facing denial of driver's license renewal owing to 'new rule'

H-1B visa holders in Texas are encountering difficulties renewing their driver's licenses because their visa stamps have expired, a situation they attribute to a new state rule. The rule requires that the visa stamp be valid at the time of renewal, even if the underlying visa status remains current.

Several affected individuals have shared their experiences on social media and online forums, describing how they were turned away from Department of Public Safety offices. One worker said his license renewal was denied despite having an approved H-1B petition and valid I-94 record, because the visa stamp in his passport had expired.

The Texas Department of Public Safety has not publicly confirmed the rule change, but local immigration attorneys say the policy appears to be a stricter interpretation of existing identification requirements. Lawyers advise H-1B holders to check their visa stamp expiration dates before visiting a DPS office and to consider traveling abroad to obtain a new stamp if needed.

The issue adds to the challenges faced by H-1B workers, who already navigate complex immigration rules. Some are calling for clearer guidance from state authorities on acceptable documents for license renewal.