To get an H-1B visa, you typically need to have a job offer from an American employer who will sponsor you. We recently discussed how you may talk to multiple employers and have numerous different options. Eventually, you will settle on an offer that you want to select, get the appropriate visa and immigrate to the United States so that you can take that job.
For many immigrants in this situation, though, this raises an important question: What happens if you lose your job? Whether you are laid off due to company restructuring, fired for cause or find yourself unemployed for any other reason, does that mean that your immigration status is now in jeopardy?
To get your H-1B visa, you needed to satisfy the employment requirements, could you now face deportation in the wake of a job loss?
H-1B visas have a 60-day grace period
It is true that employment is connected to the H-1B visa, and someone who is not employed is in violation of those terms. This could eventually lead to deportation if you do not leave the United States on your own.
That being said, you do not have to immediately worry about this becoming a significant issue. There is a 60-day grace period for the H-1B visa. You may have options to work for other employers who also value your skill set and expertise. This two-month grace period gives you a chance to seek other employment so that you still satisfy the terms of the visa and can stay in the United States.
Employment immigration can be complex, and this may just be one of the questions you have. It can help to work with an experienced attorney.
