Indian H-1B visa holders in the United States are confronting a stark reality: losing their jobs triggers an immediate 60-day countdown to find new employment or depart the country. Recent mass layoffs from tech giants, including Meta, Amazon, and Oracle, have placed thousands of these skilled workers in a precarious position, intensifying an already competitive job market.
The Critical 60-Day Window
The H-1B visa program grants laid-off foreign workers a narrow 60-day grace period to secure new sponsorship. If they cannot find another employer willing to file a new H-1B petition within this timeframe, their legal status to remain in the US expires. This strict deadline creates immense pressure, particularly for those who have built lives, purchased homes, and started families in America.
Escalating Challenges for Laid-Off Workers
Many affected workers attempt to transition to B-2 visitor visas to gain more time, potentially extending their stay by up to six months. However, immigration experts report that this option is becoming increasingly difficult. US-based immigration attorney Rajiv Khanna noted a significant rise in Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny for B-1/B-2 change-of-status applications from laid-off H-1B workers, a volume he describes as unprecedented.
Scale of Impact on Indian Nationals
The current pressure unfolds amidst widespread job cuts across the tech sector, with over 110,000 employees laid off from 144 tech companies in 2026 alone, according to Layoffs.fyi. Immigration specialists estimate that a substantial portion of these affected individuals are H-1B holders, with a disproportionate number being Indian nationals. Indians are by far the largest users of the H-1B program, accounting for 283,772 out of 406,348 approved H-1B petitions in FY25, highlighting their significant exposure to these layoffs.
More Than Just a Job Loss
For many, a layoff represents more than a financial setback. Numerous H-1B holders have spent nearly a decade in the US, navigating decades-long green card backlogs. Many have American-born children, active home loans, and deeply rooted lives. Boundless Immigration CEO Xiao Wang described the emotional toll as severe, observing that Indian H-1B holders are particularly hard-hit due to their extensive green card waits. He reports an increasing number contemplating returning home or relocating to Canada or Europe.
Exploring Alternatives
Beyond the B-2 route, laid-off workers are exploring other visa categories such as F-1 student visas, O-1 visas for individuals with extraordinary abilities, and L-1 visas for intra-company transfers. Canada has also emerged as a significant alternative, attracting interest with programs like Express Entry and the Global Talent Stream. The recent announcement of fresh global layoffs by Meta, part of an AI-focused restructuring, has further exacerbated anxieties among the H-1B community.