Work visas allow professionals to legally enter the United States. They facilitate lawful residency for qualified professionals and their immediate family members. People with work visas may eventually become permanent residents or citizens. They may continue to contribute to the domestic economy for decades.
Even the most diligent employees are at risk of termination when the economy becomes unstable or an employer chooses to restructure the company. People living in the United States with work visas may worry about their legal status and protection if they face the sudden termination of their employment.
Can a firing or layoff immediately result in a professional and their family members losing their visa?
There is usually time to find new employment
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) typically only approves work visas for professionals whose skills benefit the domestic economy. Someone who qualified for an employment visa could offer their skills, labor and insight to another company in the United States after losing a job.
When immigrants who qualify for work visas lose their jobs unexpectedly, they are eligible for a 60-day grace period. They can search for employment with a different company. Provided that they secure a job offer and that their new employer follows the right procedures, they can file paperwork to update their visa that reflects the change in their employment.
For many people who qualify for work visas, job loss is simply a source of stress and a sudden transition, not a reason to leave the country. Those facing challenges related to a work visa may need support to understand the rules that apply to them and their visas. Working with a lawyer can help immigrants protect their legal status.