Another setback for Indian techies? White House seeks to abolish 60-day grace period for H-1B visa workers

The White House has approved a proposal to eliminate the 60-day grace period granted to foreign workers, primarily on H-1B visas, following job loss. This proposal is under review by the Office of Management and Budget, but the specifics have not been disclosed yet. If approved, the 60-day grace period would be removed, affecting nonimmigrant visa holders and their dependents in various visa categories, including H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1, and TN.

The regulation will be published in the Federal Register, followed by a public comment period of 30 to 60 days. Critics argue that the elimination of the grace period is inhumane and unworkable, as it would leave thousands of individuals with no time to handle personal matters, such as leases, school transitions, and financial arrangements, following sudden job loss.