If my employer goes bankrupt, do I lose status?

The H-1B visa is granted to specialized workers and is directly tied to the sponsoring employer. Therefore, if the company that sponsored you faces difficulties, such as bankruptcy, it”s important to understand how this situation may affect your status in the United States.

Firstly, if your employer declares bankruptcy and ceases operations, they generally will no longer be able to maintain sponsorship, which means the link between your visa and the company is broken. This can indeed put your H-1B status at risk.

However, you may have the opportunity to avoid losing your status if you find a new employer willing to sponsor your visa. In this case, the new employer must submit a new petition or file an H-1B transfer within the deadlines set by immigration authorities, ensuring you retain your work authorization.

It is essential to act quickly in these situations. Once the situation with your original sponsor changes, seek specialized advice or consult official sources to understand the steps to follow. Keeping close tracking of your case can prevent complications such as accruing days out of status, which can have negative consequences for future visa applications or status adjustments.

Always remember the importance of strictly following immigration laws. Avoid offers or campaigns that promise guaranteed outcomes without proper support, as these can be risky and, in many cases, fraudulent. Getting information from official sources and consulting qualified professionals in United States immigration is a safe way to proceed when facing changes in your employment situation.

Finally, acting promptly and informed is crucial to maintain your legal status. Keep in contact with specialists, be mindful of deadlines, and always verify the guidance provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to ensure you continue following the correct procedures during this transition.

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.