H-1B Visa: US Govt Introduces Fresh Guidelines For Visa Holders Facing Job Termination

H-1B Visa: These guidelines offer avenues for H-1B visa holders who have lost their jobs to extend their stay beyond the standard 60-day grace period

USCIS highlights the concept of portability, which allows eligible H-1B non-immigrants to transition smoothly to new employment opportunities.

Source : Getty

H-1B Visa: In response to recent mass layoffs by major corporations such as Google, Tesla, and Walmart, impacting numerous immigrant workers on H-1B visas, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released updated guidelines. These guidelines offer avenues for H-1B visa holders who have lost their jobs to extend their stay beyond the standard 60-day grace period.

Outlined in the USCIS guidelines are several options available to affected individuals:

Change of Non-immigrant Status: Within the grace period, individuals can file for a change of non-immigrant status.

Adjustment of Status Application: They can submit an adjustment of status application.

Application for "Compelling Circumstances": Workers may qualify for a one-year Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) by filing an application under compelling circumstances.

Application to Change Employer: Individuals can file an application to become the beneficiary of a non-frivolous petition to change employers.

Furthermore, USCIS highlights the concept of portability, which allows eligible H-1B non-immigrants to transition smoothly to new employment opportunities. This means individuals can start working with a new employer as soon as a non-frivolous H-1B petition is filed, without awaiting its approval.

For those eligible to apply for immigrant visas through self-petitioning, they can submit their petitions concurrently with their adjustment of status applications. During the processing of their adjustment applications, these workers can remain in the US and obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Additionally, individuals facing significant challenges after being granted immigrant visa petitions based on employment may qualify for a one-year EAD.

Meanwhile, aspirations of studying in Australia have encountered further obstacles for many Indian students as the country tightens its visa regulations. Under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government, the Australian authorities have announced an increase in the proof of savings required for international students to qualify for a student visa.

The recent change mandates students to demonstrate savings of at least AUD29,710 ($19,576), marking a significant hike from the previous requirement of AUD24,505 ($16,146). Notably, this change reflects an increase of $3,430. It's worth mentioning that $1 equals 1.5177 Australian dollars.

This decision follows concerns over a surge in migration and apprehensions regarding fraudulent practices in student recruitment. The Albanese government has introduced various measures to tighten student visa procedures, including raising the IELTS score requirement.