Trump Admin Moves To End H-1B 60-Day Grace Period: How Thousands Of Indian Workers Could Be Affected?

Trump administration moves closer to ending the H-1B 60-day grace period, a change that could impact thousands of Indian professionals working in the US under skilled-worker visa programmes.

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 29 August 2026, 9:35 AM IST

Trump Admin Moves To End H-1B 60-Day Grace Period (Img: Pexels)

New Delhi: The Trump administration has taken a major step towards changing rules for foreign skilled workers in the United States, with a proposal to remove the existing 60-day grace period available to certain visa holders after losing their jobs.

The move could have a significant impact on Indian professionals, who represent the largest group of beneficiaries under the H-1B visa programme.

Proposal Clears Key White House Review

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposal has cleared review by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), bringing it closer to public release.

However, the proposal has not yet become a rule. The current 60-day grace period remains active until DHS publishes the proposal, completes public consultation and issues a final decision.

What Is the H-1B 60-Day Grace Period?

Introduced in 2017, the rule allows eligible foreign workers who lose employment to remain in the US for up to 60 days or until their authorised stay expires, whichever comes first.

During this period, workers can search for a new employer, transfer their visa sponsorship, apply for another immigration status or prepare to leave the country.

The provision applies not only to H-1B holders but also to categories including L-1, O-1, E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B1 and TN visa holders.

Why Indian Professionals Are Concerned

Indian nationals are the biggest beneficiaries of the H-1B programme, accounting for a large share of approved petitions. Many Indian technology professionals depend on the visa route for employment opportunities in the US.

If the grace period is removed, workers who suddenly lose jobs may have less time to secure new employment or manage immigration arrangements.

Critics Raise Concerns

Former Biden administration adviser Ajay Jain Bhutoria criticised the proposal, calling for a longer transition period instead. He argued that workers and their families need adequate time to arrange new jobs, housing and other personal commitments.

What Happens Next?

DHS is expected to release the full proposal, after which companies, workers and immigration experts will be able to submit comments.

Only after reviewing public feedback can the administration decide whether to implement the change permanently.