Rajesh is exploring options to sell their furniture and car, while his wife is looking into affordable storage solutions. After being laid off by Amazon earlier this year, Rajesh faces a difficult decision: should they sell everything or invest in storage with hopes of returning? This emotional and logistical dilemma is becoming increasingly familiar, as many H1B workers confront sudden job loss and the uncertainty of whether they can remain in the country they’ve come to call home.
Today, we’ll dive into the state of H1B layoffs in 2024 and predictions for what may come in the next year and beyond. We’ll also explore backup options for when H1B layoffs occur and share practical tips on navigating the grace period. Our goal is to help international professionals ease the anxiety that comes with the fragile legal status of the H1B visa.
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The U.S. tech industry has experienced unprecedented turbulence in 2024, with more than 124,000 layoffs affecting professionals across various sectors. Key players like Intel, Microsoft, Tesla, UKG, Intuit, and Dyson implemented large-scale layoffs, which included thousands of H-1B visa holders from countries such as India and China. These job cuts have created heightened job insecurity for international professionals who rely on their H-1B visa status to stay and work in the United States.
The 2024 layoffs are largely attributed to economic challenges, strategic restructuring, and the increasing role of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in streamlining operations. Many tech companies, which expanded their workforces during the pandemic to meet surging demand, are now downsizing to adjust to a more cautious economic outlook.
For H-1B visa holders, layoffs bring additional challenges beyond job loss. The U.S. immigration system grants a 60-day grace period, during which affected H-1B workers must find new employment with visa sponsorship or change their immigration status to avoid deportation.
The 60-day grace period allows H-1B visa holders to stay in the U.S. temporarily after a job loss, providing a window to secure new employment, transfer their H-1B status, or apply for an alternative visa type.
Request an extension on the termination date, even without pay, to effectively extend your grace period.
Documenting your employment history, particularly pay stubs, is essential when filing for a new H-1B position or changing status. Your pay stubs serve as proof of your lawful presence and H-1B status, which could be necessary if you file a change of employer petition or need an extension.
If you’re unable to secure a new job within the 60-day grace period, consider other visa options, such as the B-1/B-2 or F-1 visa. By changing your visa status within the U.S., you can maintain a legal presence and continue searching for new opportunities.
For those unable to secure a new H-1B sponsor within 60 days, enrolling in a Day 1 CPT program can be a viable alternative. Day 1 CPT allows F-1 students to work in their field of study while they pursue further education. By transitioning to an F-1 visa, individuals can legally work through CPT authorization from the first day of enrollment.
Advantages of Day 1 CPT:
With Trump returning to office, many expect stricter immigration policies that could impact H-1B visa approvals and renewals. Under Trump’s previous administration, H-1B applications faced increased scrutiny and higher denial rates, and industry analysts predict that similar policies could return. This could affect hiring practices, especially in the tech sector, and further complicate the situation for H-1B workers.
The implications of this don't just affect first-time H1B applicants; they also impact those who have been laid off and are trying to transfer their H1B to a new employer. The H1B transfer process may become even more challenging, with longer processing times and fewer employers willing to accept the transfer.
In light of economic uncertainty and potential policy shifts, H-1B visa holders should remain vigilant and proactive in managing their status. Having backup plans, such as exploring options like Day 1 CPT, can be a lifeline if the job market remains challenging. Additionally, considering a Concurrent H-1B visa may offer extra security.
For H-1B visa holders, losing a job often means losing visa status. Concurrent employment, which allows holding multiple H-1B jobs simultaneously, provides a safety net. If one position is lost, the other employment helps you maintain visa status and income. This dual employment strategy can be especially beneficial in the volatile tech industry where layoffs are frequent.
By exploring these options, H-1B visa holders can reduce the risk of losing legal status and be better prepared for an uncertain job market.