Trump Administration Eliminates H-1B Visa 60-Day Grace Period

The Donald Trump administration is eliminating the 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders who lose their employment in the United States. This window previously allowed workers to seek new employment or transition to other legal statuses, including student, tourist, or spouse visas. Under the new policy, H-1B holders must leave the country immediately upon job loss.

The proposal was authored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and cleared a critical review by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on Thursday. The rule is expected to be released soon.

Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Wadhwa criticized the move, stating it pushes workers into "indentured servitude" and gives "unscrupulous employers even more leverage." Immigration researcher Daniel Di Martino suggested the change will make companies prefer H-1B workers over other options.