Oracle, the American technology giant, has recently terminated the employment of thousands of staff members, including a significant number of H-1B visa holders, as of March 31, 2026.
For H-1B employees affected by this job termination, it is crucial to take immediate steps to preserve their legal status in the United States.
Gabriela Urizar, an immigration attorney at Manifest Law, highlighted the necessity of swift action for H-1B workers who have been laid off to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.
H-1B visa holders who find themselves unemployed are afforded a 60-day grace period to remain in the United States legally.
However, Urizar warned that this grace period is not automatically assured and could be reduced or rescinded by the Department of Homeland Security at its discretion.
For H-1B visa holders, who have been laid off, must try five key steps to consider:
Verify your Form I-94: Access the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website to confirm your "admit until" date on Form I-94.
Transfer your H-1B to a new employer: Seek a new employer willing to submit a new Form I-129 petition on your behalf.
Consider altering your visa status: If obtaining a new job within 60 days proves unfeasible, you may apply to change to a different visa category.
Explore Green Card possibilities: If you are in the process of acquiring a Green Card and possess an approved Form I-140, you might be eligible to apply for adjustment of status.
Refrain from leaving the US: Avoid traveling outside the US during your grace period.
