Caution: These recommendations have not yet been implemented by USCIS. Here’s the update broken down:
H1B Grace Period Extension to 180 days:
A US presidential advisory panel recommended on March 14th to extend H-1B workers grace period from 60 to 180 days to allow those impacted by layoffs reasonable time to find a new sponsor. This recommendation was voted on, and approved and is being sent to USCIS. We are hopeful to see a roll-out in the next 3 months, but this is not across the finish line just yet! For now, if you’re facing a layoff, you still have only 60 days to find a new opportunity, interview, accept an offer and get a new H-1B petition filed. See: USCIS' Options for Nonimmigrant Workers Following Termination of Employment.
EAD and travel docs for certain foreign workers with I-140 approvals:
The advisory panel included another exciting recommendation to grant employment authorization documents (EADs) and travel documents to foreign nationals with I-140 immigrant visa approvals who have been stuck in visa backlogs for 5 years or more, regardless of whether they have filed for Adjustment of Status. This would be amazing and provide greater job opportunities and job security to these individuals; however the vote on this proposal is postponed to the next meeting (June/July 2023).
A summary of the meeting is linked here. Here's to positive and supportive immigration changes! Hopefully, there's more to come.
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