An H-1B visa holder has found himself stranded after his employer backed out just days before his scheduled travel to the United States. Despite securing his visa stamp and approval, he is now unable to enter the country due to last-minute corporate budget cuts.
Visa Approved, Travel Cancelled
The worker shared that he and his wife received their H-1B and H4 stamps in December 2024. They were set to travel in January 2025 when his company suddenly revoked the offer. The decision came as part of an internal cost-cutting drive that left him without options.
No H-1B Transfer Possible
He later asked online if he could transfer his H-1B visa to another employer without entering the US. Experts clarified that there is no transfer possible in this case, as he has never worked in the United States. Any new opportunity would require a fresh consular H-1B filing.
Candidate’s Profile and Setback
The worker has nine years of experience as a software engineer and holds two AWS certifications. Despite his strong credentials, he remains stuck overseas. He expressed frustration, saying he worked hard for this chance and did not want to lose it over budget freezes.
The $100,000 Barrier
Employers in the US now face a steep $100,000 fee for new H-1B consular filings. This policy has drastically reduced hiring from abroad, leaving many skilled workers stranded even after completing the full visa process.
Few Options Left
At this point, the worker’s only chance lies in convincing his original employer to revive the offer. Otherwise, he will need to explore alternative career paths outside the H-1B route. The situation highlights how unpredictable the visa process has become for global professionals.
