A recent post on an H-1B community forum has caught attention for asking a question many are quietly worrying about.
The person shared that they were laid off on May 1, 2025. That means the 60-day grace period—meant to help H-1B workers find a new job—ends on June 30.
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Since the layoff, they’ve managed to secure a new job and their new employer has already filed the LCA. The H-1B Change of Employer (COE) petition is expected to be filed next week—just before the grace period ends.
The big question they raised: are there risks even if everything is filed on time?
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From past experiences, most COE petitions filed within the 60 days go through without major issues. But there are always chances of an RFE (Request for Evidence) if documents don’t line up or if there’s a significant difference in job roles.
The risk increases if the petition is filed after the grace period or if USCIS questions whether the new job qualifies under H-1B standards. A denial after June 30 would leave the person out of status, with limited options to stay legally.
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The advice circulating in response is clear—file before the 60-day mark, ensure all documents are watertight, and stay prepared for follow-ups. When timelines are this tight, even a minor delay can turn a smooth transfer into a legal headache.
For many Indian professionals in the U.S., this kind of situation is more common than people admit. The grace period feels generous on paper—but in real life, two months can pass in a blur of interviews, paperwork, and waiting for approvals.
