US Proposes Ending 60-Day H-1B Grace Period

{"

Proposed Change and Its Impact on Tech Companies":"The proposed change would require H-1B visa holders to leave the country once their employment ends, creating uncertainty for US tech companies that rely on skilled foreign workers. The 60-day grace period was introduced in 2017 to give foreign workers time to find new employment, transfer their visa sponsorship, or make arrangements before leaving the United States. H-1B visas are widely used by technology companies to hire skilled professionals, particularly from countries such as India and China. The proposed rule would affect several other visa categories, including E-1, E-2, L-1, O-1, TN, H-1B1, and E-3.","

Government's Perspective":"DHS stated that ending the grace period could create more opportunities for American workers to fill affected positions. The proposal will now enter a two-month public comment period before the government decides whether to finalize the rule.","

Economic and Social Implications":"If implemented, the change could create additional uncertainty for skilled foreign professionals, including Pakistani workers employed in the United States on temporary visas. The proposal has already introduced higher visa fees for skilled workers and paused immigrant visa appointments at US missions worldwide as part of broader immigration policy changes."}