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Losing your job in the United States does not just represent an economic problem for foreigners living in the country; it can also put their immigration status at risk. For those who have a work visa sponsored by a company, a layoff can mean they need to find another employer, change status, or leave U.S. territory within a specific period. Here we share how long you can remain in the United States in this case!
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If you are in the United States and lost your job, you surely have the anxiety and fear of knowing what will happen to you in case the authorities find out that you are unemployed.
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Especially if you obtained said position and got a visa to be able to perform your duties in the United States; authorities have established what happens in these types of situations and what foreigners must do to avoid serious immigration problems.
How long can you stay in the United States if you are laid off and have a work visa?
The answer depends on the type of visa you have and the time remaining on your authorized stay. Currently, U.S. immigration regulation allows a grace period of up to 60 consecutive days for certain foreign workers when the employment that justified their admission to the country ends.
This benefit includes the categories:
- E-1 y E-2
- E-3 y H-1B1
- H-1B
- L-1
- O-1
- TN.
What can you do if you are laid off and have a work visa?
If you lose your job, there are several alternatives that can help you avoid an immediate departure from the United States, depending on your immigration category and your circumstances.
- Presentar una solicitud o petición para cambiar de estatus de no inmigrante
- Presentar una solicitud de ajuste de estatus
- Presentar una solicitud para un documento de autorización de empleo por “circunstancias apremiantes”
- Ser el beneficiario de una petición para cambiar de empleador.
What should you do if I am laid off in the United States and have a work visa?
If you received a layoff notice, it is important to act quickly and review your situation before making decisions about your stay in the country. Here are some recommendations:
- Identifica tu categoría migratoria: revisa si tienes H-1B, TN, L-1, O-1, H-2A, H-2B u otra clasificación.
- Consulta tu Formulario I-94: verifica la fecha hasta la que tienes autorizado permanecer en Estados Unidos.
- Confirma cuándo terminó tu empleo: conserva la carta de despido, el último recibo de nómina y los documentos de tu empresa.
- Consulta si calificas para el periodo de gracia.
- Busca asesoría migratoria
- No trabajes sin autorización (estar dentro del periodo de gracia no significa que puedas aceptar cualquier empleo).
What happens after the 60-day grace period?
If the worker does not take any action within the grace period, they and their dependents will have to leave the United States within 60 days, or when their authorized validity period ends, whichever is shorter.
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