It's not unique: Japanese system is exactly as you described.
replyAustralia too - however, to get a renewal all you need is an online connection and a credit card, the renewal (at least for me!) goes through automatically. (Notwithstanding that Australia just increased the PR-renewal cost from ~400-500 to ~1400-1500 AUD)
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replyThere actually is a pilot to renew h1-b visa foils while in the US without a consular appointment.
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