Bloomberg is now reporting that  by the end of this year the State Department will implement a program allowing visa renewal within the U.S. for non-immigrants seeking H or L visa stamping, including first time applicants. Because a valid visa stamp is required to enter into the U.S., the move would allow non-immigrant workers to avoid long wait times at Consulates abroad, significantly streamlining travel. 

No start date or detailed information has been announced for this program; updates to come as they're available.