Indian professionals working in the United States could face tougher immigration conditions under a new proposal by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to eliminate the 60-day grace period for certain foreign workers after losing their jobs.
The proposal, published in the Federal Register on September 11, could affect H-1B, L-1, O-1, E and TN visa holders, along with eligible family members.
Under current rules, eligible workers whose employment ends before their visa approval period expires may receive up to 60 days to find another employer, explore a change of immigration status or make arrangements to leave the country.
If the proposal becomes law, this additional protection would be removed. Workers could be required to leave the United States immediately after their qualifying employment ends unless they have another lawful basis to remain.
The move could particularly affect Indian IT professionals, many of whom depend on employer-sponsored visas to work in the American technology sector.
DHS says the proposed change would bring immigration rules more closely in line with employment-based visa requirements and reduce administrative burdens.
However, the proposal has raised concerns among foreign workers and their families, who could have less time to manage a sudden job loss and immigration paperwork.
The proposal is not yet law. The existing 60-day grace-period provision remains in place while the government considers the proposed changes. The public comment deadline is November 10, 2026.
Indian professionals are advised to monitor official announcements from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and consult qualified immigration lawyers before making decisions about their visa status.
OnlineIndianNews.com will continue to follow developments affecting Indian workers and families in the United States.