H-1B Visa Holders Face Potential Setback as US Proposes Ending Grace Period

The Trump administration is moving toward eliminating the 60-day grace period currently available to H-1B workers who lose their jobs in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security’s proposal, identified as RIN 1615-AD22, has completed review by the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. The review concluded on August 27, 2026, but the proposed rule has not yet taken effect. H-1B workers currently remain eligible for the existing 60-day grace period.

Under the current rules, eligible H-1B workers who lose employment can use the grace period to seek a new employer sponsor or pursue a change in immigration status. Removing the provision could leave affected workers with significantly less time to secure new employment and could increase pressure to leave the US if they cannot find another option. The proposal is particularly significant for Indian professionals, who account for a large share of H-1B beneficiaries. The exact impact will become clear only after the proposed rule and implementation details are officially published.