Approved PERM Denied with Brutal H1B Layoff

An H-1B visa holder who had a green card within reach was hit by a sudden layoff, leaving them in shock. With their visa clock ticking, they are now facing a nightmare that many skilled workers in the US know too well.

PERM Approved but I-140 Missing

The worker revealed online that their PERM labour certification had been approved, which is a key step towards a green card. However, their employer failed to file the I-140 petition before firing them, cutting off the chance to secure visa extensions.

Race Against Visa Expiry

Without the I-140, they cannot extend their stay beyond the six-year H1B limit. They now have barely a year left before their visa expires in October 2026. The only option is to find a new employer willing to transfer the H1B quickly.

Delays in the System

The bigger problem is time. Green card delays in the US are at record highs. Even if a second employer restarts the PERM process, there is no guarantee it will be cleared before the visa runs out.

Political and Policy Challenges

This case highlights more than personal misfortune. Immigration reforms under the current administration have made H1B sponsorship riskier for companies. Workers are now caught in a fragile system that often fails them despite their talent and contribution.

The Uncertain Future

For this worker, the fear is devastatingly simple: will the system move fast enough to save their American dream, or will the clock run out? Like many others, the outcome depends less on ability and more on a fractured immigration process.