Many immigrants legally enter the United States through family connections. Others seek jobs in the United States or take transfers to domestic facilities when they work for international companies.
Employment-based immigration is an option for many skilled and experienced professionals. However, employment arrangements are impermanent at best. Immigrants could lose their jobs with little advance warning and may then be at risk of losing their visas. Thankfully, there is a system in place to protect some professionals with employment visas.
There is a grace period that applies
Although an immigrant’s status might have a direct connection to their employment, the loss of their job does not automatically result in their removal from the country. Job loss may not necessarily be a reflection of a professional’s capabilities or work performance. Instead, economic factors may have contributed to the decision to terminate their position.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services USCIS recognizes that an immigrant who qualifies for a work visa might be beneficial for the domestic economy. As such, they may have up to 60 days after a termination to find new employment and seek a new visa.
Visas that are eligible for the 60-day grace period include:
- E-1
- E-2
- E-3
- H-1B
- H-1B1
- L-1
- O-1
- TN
The same grace period also applies to any spouses or dependents with visas connected to the professional’s work visa.
Discussing job opportunities and other visa programs with a skilled legal team can help people respond effectively to terminations that could impact their immigration status. Professionals who lose their jobs often have an opportunity to seek new employment before they are at risk of removal proceedings.