If I don’t like my job, can I leave and look for another one on an H-1B?

Yes. If your job does not meet your expectations, you can look for another position without giving up your H-1B. The key point to keep in mind is that this visa is tied to a specific employer, so a job change follows its own process.

To change employers, the new employer must file a new H-1B petition on your behalf. In most cases, you do not need to leave the country to do this: this is known as H-1B portability, which allows you to start working for the new employer as soon as the petition is received by USCIS, provided you maintain valid status.

A few precautions help make the transition safely:

• Make sure the new petition is filed before ending the current employment relationship.
• Do not start the new position without the proper authorization.
• Follow all required documents and steps at each stage of the process.

Because leaving your current employer prematurely can jeopardize your status, it is worth seeking up-to-date guidance from USCIS or an immigration specialist before changing jobs.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.