Thousands of Indian IT professionals working in the US are once again facing uncertainty as layoffs continue across major tech companies.
For employees working on H-1B visas, losing a job is not just a career setback — it can quickly turn into an immigration crisis.
With stricter US immigration checks now in place, many Indian workers are finding it harder to stay in the country after layoffs.
H-1B Workers Get Only 60 Days After Job Loss
Under US immigration rules, H-1B visa holders have only 60 days to take action after losing their job.
Within this period, they must:
Find a new employer
Transfer their H-1B visa
Switch to another visa category
Or leave the US
The countdown begins from the last working day mentioned by the employer.
Earlier, many professionals used to switch temporarily to B-1 or B-2 visitor visas while searching for new jobs.
This allowed them to legally stay in the US for a short period.
However, immigration lawyers say US authorities are now examining these applications much more strictly, increasing the chances of rejection.
Indian Tech Workers Among the Most Affected
Indian professionals are among the hardest hit because they make up a large share of H-1B workers in the US technology sector.
Layoffs at major companies like Meta and Amazon have already impacted thousands of Indian employees.
For many workers, the pressure goes beyond finding a new job.
They are also dealing with:
Home loan EMIs
Children’s education expenses
Family responsibilities
Long green card waiting periods
In such situations, losing a job can create both financial and legal stress at the same time.
What Options Do H-1B Professionals Still Have?
Despite the challenges, immigration experts say affected professionals still have a few options available.
Some possible solutions include:
Transferring the H-1B visa to a new employer
Applying for a student visa
Switching to a dependent visa
Exploring special visa categories like the O-1 visa
Some professionals may also choose to return to India temporarily and move back to the US later after securing another job offer.
Experts Advise Quick Action After Layoffs
Immigration experts strongly advise workers not to delay action after losing a job.
Professionals are encouraged to:
Contact an immigration lawyer immediately
Keep all important documents ready
Start job searching as early as possible
Avoid waiting until the last few days of the 60-day period
Experts warn that in the US, visa status and employment are closely connected.
Even a small delay or mistake can create serious immigration problems for affected workers
