My H-1B was approved but I lost the job before traveling. What now?

Having an approved H-1B visa is an important step, as this visa allows skilled professionals to work in the United States. However, the approval is closely tied to the employer who sponsored your visa. If you lost the job before traveling, it is crucial to understand the next steps and how to proceed according to U.S. immigration laws.

First, it is important to know that the H-1B visa is specific to the employer who filed the petition. Therefore, if that employer has ended the employment relationship, the basis for the visa no longer exists. If you are still outside the United States, losing the job can affect your ability to use the visa to enter the country, since your entry is based on the job offer that justified the approval.

If you were already in the United States or enter this scenario, there is usually a grace period-normally up to 60 days-during which you can look for a new job opportunity. This new company will need to file an H-1B transfer petition. However, it is critical to complete this process before the grace period expires in order to maintain the regularity of your immigration status.

It is essential to strictly follow immigration laws and established deadlines, avoiding quick fixes or promises that seem too good to be true. Seeking specialized guidance from reliable sources can provide the security you need at this time. Research carefully and be alert to possible scams or marketing campaigns that guarantee results without legal support, since every case has particularities and only a detailed analysis can indicate the best alternatives for your situation.

In summary, if your H-1B was approved but you lost the job before traveling, the first step is to understand that the visa is tied to the sponsoring job offer. Consider your options: if you are outside the U.S., it might be difficult to use this visa, and if you are inside the country, take advantage of the grace period to attempt a transfer. In any case, the recommendation is to seek accurate information and appropriate advice, always following U.S. legal guidelines.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.