US Ditches Grace Period for H-1B Workers

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed eliminating the 60-day grace period for certain employment-based non-immigrant visa holders, including H-1B workers. This move could have significant implications for Indian professionals, who make up the largest share of H-1B beneficiaries.

The 60-day grace period was introduced in 2017 and allows eligible workers to remain lawfully in the US for up to 60 days after their employment ends or until their authorised stay expires. If this rule is removed, losing an H-1B job could trigger a much tighter timeline for workers.

Indian technology professionals working for US companies or Indian IT services firms could face greater uncertainty if they lose their jobs. The impact would extend beyond the employee, with families potentially forced to make decisions about relocation within a short period.