U.S. proposes new rule to scrap 60-day grace period for H-1B workers after job loss
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has proposed a rule to eliminate the 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders after job loss. If finalized, foreign workers would be required to leave the country immediately upon termination of employment.
Why it matters
This policy change would significantly impact the tech industry and the lives of thousands of skilled foreign workers in the United States.
The U.S. on Thursday (September 10, 2026) proposed a new rule to scrap the 60-day grace period available to certain foreign workers, including skilled workers on H-1B visas, to find a new job after losing employment.
The move will significantly impact Indian technology workers hired by tech companies and others on H-1B visas.
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.
The new rule titled “Eliminating the Discretionary 60-day Grace Period” will be published in the Federal Register on Friday (September 11, 2026), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has invited comments from the public within the next 60 days.
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