US govt proposes scrapping 60-day grace period for foreign workers after job loss

The US department of homeland security (DHS) on Thursday released a draft proposal to eliminate the 60-day grace period, currently available to certain non-immigrant workers (such as H-1B and L-1 visa holders) following termination of employment. While the proposal covers several employment-based non-immigrant visa categories, from the perspective of the Indian diaspora, the most significant impact would be on H-1B visa holders, L-1 visa holders (those on intra-company transfers) and O-1 visa holders (this visa is given to those who are recognised for extraordinary ability).Under the existing framework, following a layoff or other termination of employment, these visa holders are typically granted a discretionary grace period of up to 60-days, or until the end of their authorised stay, whichever comes first.