US Government Proposes Rule to End Grace Period for H-1B Visa Holders

A proposed rule by the US government could significantly impact foreign workers holding H-1B visas and other temporary visa holders. The current 60-day grace period, introduced in 2016 and effective since early 2017, would be removed under the new proposal.

The 60-day period allows affected workers to remain in the US after losing their jobs, giving them time to look for a new employer or apply for a change of visa status. However, if the proposed rule is approved, these workers would have to leave the country immediately and generally wouldn't be able to switch employers or change their immigration status from within the US.

The proposal is currently under review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and will be published in the Federal Register for a public comment period of 30 to 60 days before any final decision is made. If finalized, foreign workers would no longer be considered to be maintaining lawful status if their employment ends before their visa period expires.