Major Relaxations for H-1B Visa Holders and Green Card Applicants

In a major relief to the H-1B visa holders and Green Card applicants who were jobless, the US government has given a grace period of 60 days in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak. The Pandemic has resulted in several job losses across the country.

USCIS clarified that the grace period is for requests for evidence; continuations to request evidence (N-14); notices of intent to deny; notices of intent to revoke; notices of intent to rescind and notices of intent to terminate regional investment centers; and filing date requirements for Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion.

Federal rules require unemployed H-1B visa workers to leave the United States in 60 days after they lose their jobs. This rule was not a problem earlier because they could simply get new jobs from Indian-run outsourcing companies. However, this is not the case now and many face the danger of deportation now.

Even in the case of deportation, there are no flights to India. So, this grace period will be a huge relief to such people. Analysts say that ahead of the elections in November, Trump administration relaxed the rule in lieu of the support from Indian Diaspora.