Relief For Laid-Off Employees In U.S. on H1B

As per the latest statistics, about 91,000 employees have been laid off in the U.S., by and large, from the tech sector in a major season of job cuts. Employees who were in the U.S. on an H1-B visa have taken to social media seeking employers to continue their stay in the U.S. even after the 60 days limit.

While their situation looked rather gloomy, here comes some good news in keeping with the holiday season. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made a timely announcement for the benefit of all those caught in the tight spot.

People on H1B and approved I140 are now eligible for up to one year of compelling circumstances EAD, which is a temporary gap of 1 year, as opposed to the old 60 days stop-gap.

As for Indians, most of those laid off held H1, L1, or O1 visas. The last category is for people who show extraordinary capabilities in their field. Those in the O1 category are limited, though. For starters, those in the above-mentioned categories will get a 60-day grace period along with their dependents.

During this period, workers can maintain their no-immigration status if a new employer files a timely petition on their behalf to extend their stay. Also, workers will be able to live in the U.S. if they file a timely application to change to a new non-immigration status or if they can file an application for adjustment of status, for example, from H1B to H-4 dependent status.

Workers can start working for their new employers as soon as the petition is filed to ensure profitability for employers. However, those who fail to get employment or cannot change their visa status will have to depart the U.S.