An international worker has claimed he was forced to leave the US after getting caught in a complex H-1B and B-2 visa situation. The case has drawn attention as immigration rules in the country continue to tighten.
The worker entered the US on an F-1 visa in 2023 and completed a master’s degree. He later secured an H-1B visa through the 2025 lottery. However, he lost his job within a month, creating uncertainty about his legal stay.
To remain in the country, he applied for a change of status to a B-2 visitor visa near the end of his grace period. At the same time, he continued applying for jobs and exploring new employment opportunities.
Soon after, a new employer filed an H-1B transfer petition with a change of status. Instead of resolving the issue, the overlapping applications added complexity to his immigration status and created further complications.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a Notice of Intent to Deny for the B-2 request. Authorities argued that the worker intended to stay in the US for a longer duration than permitted under the visitor visa category.
Another notice followed in the form of a Request for Evidence on the H-1B petition. The agency asked for proof related to the B-2 application to assess whether the change of status request remained valid.
The B-2 application was eventually denied, which affected the H-1B change of status case. The worker claimed he was asked to either provide B-2 approval or leave the country and return after paying a high H-1B fee.
This situation reflects growing concerns among applicants as immigration policies become stricter. Many workers and employers are facing delays and confusion due to overlapping rules and procedural requirements.
In the end, the worker chose to leave the US. The case highlights the challenges faced by skilled professionals navigating visa regulations in an increasingly complex immigration system.
