Why apply for H-1B Visa?

• More than 120,000 visas issued in 2023
• Annual cap of 65,000 H-1B visas
• Earn in dollars with average salaries ranging from $55,000 to $59,000
• Has over 13 million job openings
• Work for only 36.5 hours a week

*Looking to work in the USA? Let Y-Axis help you with the steps. 

H1B Grace Period for non-immigrant workers

Foreign workers in the US are having a hard time as another round of layoffs hit Silicon Valley. Losing a job affects the visa status of non-immigrant workers unless they find another job in time. However, you can avail yourself of several options to stay in the US if your employment has terminated.

According to the regulations permitting a discretionary grace period,  workers in the TN, E-1, E-2, L-1, H-1B, H-1B1 or L-1 visa can continue staying in the US for up to 60 consecutive days or until the authorized validity period ends.

Your non-immigrant status can be maintained if a new employer files a petition requesting an extension of stay on their behalf. Immigration attorney and founder of Watson Immigration Law speaks elaborately about how many times you can use the H1B grace period.

*Looking for jobs in the US? Avail Y-Axis Job Search Services for complete job support.  

Tips for US non-immigrant workers facing layoffs

• It is important to be accurate with your last date of work as the USCIS considers a 60-day grace period starting from that date.
• You can get an additional 60-day grace period after you get laid off or receive a new I-94 every time. If you receive a fresh H-1B approval after your initial layoff, you will be eligible for another 60 days beyond the earlier one.
• You must take action even if you apply for an H1B with a new employer or change your status to a tourist (B-1, B-2) or a student visa.
• You can request an H1B change of status while your tourist (B-1 visa/B-2) visa is under process in case you cannot find a new H1B sponsor on time. The USCIS would immediately settle the B-1/B-2 when they receive another H1B application from a new employer.
• Consider starting your own business or a company if you are still looking for a new employer before the grace time expires.
• With STEM degrees, you can apply for a Green Card under the EB-1 or National Interest Waiver categories.

Are you looking for step-by-step assistance for US Immigration? Talk to Y-Axis, the leading Overseas Immigration Company in the UAE.

For recent US Immigration updates, do check out Y-Axis Immigration news.