U.S. Proposes Ending 60-Day Grace Period for Foreign Workers

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed to eliminate the 60-day grace period currently granted to foreign workers on temporary employment visas after they lose their jobs.

This provision, established in 2016, allows workers to remain in the U.S. for up to 60 days or until their Form I-94 expires, whichever comes first. The proposal has completed review by the Office of Management and Budget and will be published in the Federal Register for public comment.

Without this grace period, foreign workers could face immediate immigration issues upon job loss, having little time to secure new employment or change their immigration status. Additionally, the DHS has proposed a $103,265 fee for new H-1B petitions and is reviewing wage increases for foreign workers under various visa programs.

The State Department is also preparing to revoke tourist and business visas for up to 200,000 foreign nationals who have applied for asylum after entering the U.S.