Proposal to End 60-Day Grace Period for H-1B Visa Holders in the US

The Trump administration has proposed eliminating the 60-day grace period that allows H-1B and other temporary work visa holders to find new employment or sponsors after job loss. Under the new rule, visa holders would be required to leave the United States immediately after their employment ends. The Department of Homeland Security has acknowledged that this change could impact large American tech companies that rely heavily on foreign workers.

Kathmandu, September 11 — The proposed regulation was published on Thursday in a government notice online. According to the Department of Homeland Security’s notice in the Federal Register, H-1B and other temporary work visa holders must depart the U.S. promptly once their employment terminates. This move could significantly affect major U.S. tech firms that depend on a large number of foreign employees.

After resuming office in January 2025, President Donald Trump introduced this new initiative to tighten legal immigration policies. His administration has already approved an increase in visa fees for skilled foreign workers. Additionally, as part of implementing new training programs, temporary restrictions have been placed on immigrant visa appointments at U.S. diplomatic missions globally. While the Department of Homeland Security acknowledges that this change might pose some challenges for affected companies, it also asserts that positions could be filled by American workers.