3 min learnNew DelhiUp to date: Aug 30, 2026 10:43 PM IST
The Trump administration has moved nearer to eliminating the 60-day grace interval that enables H-1B and sure different overseas staff to stay within the US after shedding their jobs, with the proposal clearing White Home regulatory assessment. The rule has not but taken impact and should nonetheless be printed and undergo the public-comment course of.
The proposed change may have a major influence on Indian professionals, who accounted for 71 per cent of approved H-1B petitions in fiscal 2024.
The proposal was ready by the Division of Homeland Safety, titled “Eliminating the Discretionary 60-day Grace Interval,” and submitted to the White Home Workplace of Data and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) on August 6. In an replace offered on Thursday, the OIRA web site indicated that the proposal (RIN: 1615-AD22) had cleared assessment.
In an replace offered on Thursday, the OIRA web site indicated that the proposal (RIN: 1615-AD22) had cleared assessment. (Picture: OIRA web site)
US plans to scrap 60-day H-1B grace interval
The proposed change may have an effect on Indian staff in the USA, who account for a big majority of permitted H-1B petitions.
The present regulation protects a number of employment-based classes, together with H-1B, E-1, E-2, E-3, L-1, O-1, and their qualifying dependents. Nevertheless, DHS remains to be required to publish the proposal, obtain public feedback, and finalise the regulation until any change might be carried out. Till then, the prevailing 60-day grace interval stays in impact.
What occurs to H-1B staff after job loss?
For the reason that plan has not been printed, its full provisions stay unavailable, and the 60-day grace interval continues to be in impact. The present rule turned efficient January 2017 as a broader regulation that covers high-skilled immigrant and non-immigrant staff.
The grace-period window permits eligible staff to remain in the USA for as much as two months after their employment with an organization ends, or till their authorised keep within the nation expires, whichever comes earlier. The 60-day interval permits the worker whose job has ended to acquire one other sponsored place, apply for a distinct immigration classification, or put together to exit the USA, American digital media organisation Newsweek reported.
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Why H-1B rule issues to Indian staff?
H-1B visa programme permits US corporations to rent overseas staff for specialised occupations that require superior data.
Since Indian staff have a sizeable presence within the US, any change within the H-1B visa programme is poised to have a disproportionate influence on Indian professionals. In line with official US figures, in fiscal 2024, 71 per cent of permitted H-1B petitions have been for staff who have been born in India.
US plans one other H-1B charge hike
In one other main overhaul, the Trump administration is planning to hike the H-1B visa charge to $103,265, making it costly for employers to rent expert overseas staff below the programme.
That is the second try by the US authorities in a single yr to hike the H-1B visa charge cap, after introducing a $100,000 fee requirement for sure H-1B staff exterior the US that was struck down by courts.
- 01
Is the H-1B 60-day grace interval ending?
Not but. The proposal has cleared regulatory assessment however just isn’t ultimate.
- 02
What’s the present H-1B grace interval?
Eligible H-1B staff can keep within the US for as much as 60 days after their employment ends, or till their authorised keep expires, whichever comes first.
- 03
Who might be affected by the proposed change?
H-1B staff and sure different overseas staff might be affected if the proposal is finalised.
- 04
Why is that this necessary for Indians?
Indians accounted for 71% of permitted H-1B petitions in fiscal 2024, based on US authorities knowledge.
- 05
When may the brand new rule take impact?
DHS should first publish the proposal, permit public feedback and situation a ultimate rule.
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