Time running out’, Why H-1B professionals may soon have to leave US?

That is a concerning situation for many H-1B workers in the US. It is important to note that the H-1B visa program is designed to allow US companies to hire foreign workers in speciality occupations where there is a shortage of qualified US workers. However, the program has been subject to controversy over the years, with some critics arguing that it is being used by companies to hire cheaper foreign labor instead of investing in the development of US talent.

Regarding the recent layoffs at tech giants including Microsoft, Google, Meta, Amazon,, and Twitter, it is important to remember that companies are not required to retain H-1B workers if they no longer need their services. However, H-1B workers who are laid off do face the challenge of finding another employer within 60 days to maintain their legal status in the US.

It is worth noting that the Biden administration has announced plans to reform the H-1B visa program, including reviewing and revising the lottery system used to select which applicants are granted visas. The administration has also signaled a desire to prioritize the hiring of US workers and increasing wages for H-1B workers.

Overall, the situation for H-1B workers in the US is complex, and there are both benefits and challenges associated with the visa program. It is important for workers and employers alike to stay informed about changes to the program and to navigate the system with care.

The current situation for H-1B workers in the United States is concerning, with thousands being laid off across major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, Meta, Amazon, and Twitter. These workers now face the risk of losing their visas if they fail to find another employer within 60 days, as per existing laws. The Foundation For India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) has been advocating for these workers and has reported that over 250,000 professionals have been laid off in the US since last year.

FIDS has also noted that time is running out for these laid off employees and their families, with a humanitarian impact on their lives. Families, including US-born children, are being abruptly uprooted, and those laid off earlier are running out of time. The situation is particularly challenging for H-1B workers during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as the job market remains unpredictable and competitive. The future remains uncertain for these workers, and advocacy groups like FIIDS are working to bring their cases to the attention of lawmakers and the federal administration.

What is H-1B visa?

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require technical or theoretical expertise. The H-1B visa has an annual cap, and the process of applying for the visa involves a registration period and lottery system.

During the registration period, which typically runs from March to March each year, employers can register their intent to file an H-1B petition for a specific employee. If the number of registrations exceeds the annual cap, a lottery system is used to randomly select the petitions that will be processed.

The H-1B visa is a popular option for foreign workers in fields such as technology, engineering, and science. It is also commonly used by US employers to hire workers from countries such as India and China.

While the H-1B visa provides opportunities for foreign workers to gain valuable experience and contribute to the US economy, it has also been the subject of controversy due to concerns about displacement of US workers and exploitation of foreign workers. In recent years, the US government has taken steps to reform the H-1B visa program and increase oversight to prevent abuses.

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Thousands of H-1B workers have been laid off across tech giants including Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Amazon, Twitter in the past couple of months. Many of them are now concerned about their visas as under the existing laws if they fail to find another employer within 60 days, they will have to leave the country.

That is a concerning situation for many H-1B workers in the US. It is important to note that the H-1B visa program is designed to allow US companies to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations where there is a shortage of qualified US workers. However, the program has been subject to controversy over the years, with some critics arguing that it is being used by companies to hire cheaper foreign labor instead of investing in the development of US talent.

Regarding the recent layoffs at tech giants including Microsoft, Google, Meta, Amazon, and Twitter, it is important to remember that companies are not required to retain H-1B workers if they no longer need their services. However, H-1B workers who are laid off do face the challenge of finding another employer within 60 days to maintain their legal status in the US.

It is worth noting that the Biden administration has announced plans to reform the H-1B visa program, including reviewing and revising the lottery system used to select which applicants are granted visas. The administration has also signaled a desire to prioritize the hiring of US workers and increasing wages for H-1B workers.

Overall, the situation for H-1B workers in the US is complex, and there are both benefits and challenges associated with the visa program. It is important for workers and employers alike to stay informed about changes to the program and to navigate the system with care.