The Trump administration has proposed ending the 60-day grace period that allows certain foreign workers, including H-1B visa holders, to remain in the United States after losing their jobs while searching for a new employer or sponsor.
According to a notice published by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), H-1B and holders of several other temporary work visas could be required to leave the country once their employment ends if the proposal is approved.
The proposed change could have a significant impact on US technology companies that rely on skilled foreign workers. DHS said ending the grace period could create more opportunities for American workers to fill affected positions.
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 also affect several other visa categories, including E-1, E-2, L-1, O-1, TN, H-1B1, and E-3.
The administration has already introduced higher visa fees for skilled workers and paused immigrant visa appointments at US missions worldwide as part of its broader immigration policy changes.
The proposal will now enter a two-month public comment period before the government decides whether to finalize the rule. If implemented, the change could create additional uncertainty for skilled foreign professionals, including Pakistani workers employed in the United States on temporary visas.
