r/h1b_layoffs

A merit-based visa system should look like this.

For H1b sponsor roles, you can find it on LandOffer.ai

https://preview.redd.it/sw3dwnjihauh1.png?width=1200&format=png&auto=webp&s=a69ada0efe195845eb7185f3337349a7777c0d42

US SUSPENDS IMMIGRATION PROGRAM FOR COGNIZANT, INFOSYS, TATA

For H1b sponsor roles, you can find it on LandOffer.ai

#workvisa
#h1b
#rfe

Currently in the US, but I'm thinking of moving somewhere more receptive towards international professionals.

This is my 5th year in the US. I have 20 years of experience in my field and a pretty rare combination of niche skills in EdTech, Research, Data Science and Product Management. I left my birth country due to political incompatibility.

Always thought this is the country where I could work hard, build my career, and start a business. Clearly rather naive of me. I'd like to take my time and work elsewhere.

What are y'all all thinking?

Main Timeline
My STEM OPT began on February 1, 2026, and my STEM OPT EAD is valid through January 31, 2028. My former employer filed a cap-subject H-1B change-of-status petition, which USCIS approved on Form I-797A with an attached I-94, effective October 1, 2026.
My employment ended on September 18, 2026, before the H-1B effective date. The employer then submitted a written H-1B withdrawal request. FedEx confirms that the withdrawal package was delivered to USCIS’s designated Lewisville, Texas courier/Lockbox location on September 30, 2026 at 10:28 AM, one day before the scheduled H-1B effective date.
On October 1, 2026, my SEVIS record automatically changed from F-1 STEM OPT to Completed because of the previously approved H-1B change of status. USCIS has not yet issued the formal withdrawal/revocation acknowledgment, and SEVP has stated that it needs that notice before correcting my SEVIS record.
Question
Given that I already have an approved cap-subject H-1B I-797A with an attached I-94, but my prior employment ended and the withdrawal was submitted before October 1 (on sep 30), can a new employer file an H-1B change-of-employer petition for me as previously cap-counted, without a new lottery?

I was working as a SWE in FAANG for the last 6 years. I have an MS in CS from a reputed college in the US. I also have an I140 approved. But I had to move out of the US last year due to some personal reasons and have been unemployed since (so for a year). Is it still possible with the current immigration changes in mind, to get a company to sponsor a new H1B, when I am not physically in the US? If so, are there any recommendations on what kind of companies to target?

Or are there any other paths I should look into? I am working on some personal projects but feeling very lost, so any advice or if you have navigated something similar would be very helpful to hear(please be kind).

Hi everyone,

I was recently impacted by a layoff and am now searching for a new employer during my H-1B grace period.

I have about 5 years of experience across data analytics, business intelligence, data products, and product operations, with strong experience in SQL/SQL Server, Tableau, reporting/dashboarding, stakeholder management, and analytics/process automation. I also have Python experience.

I’m primarily looking for Data Analyst / Senior Data Analyst, BI, Product Analytics/Management, Data Product/Product Operations, and related analytics-heavy roles.

I’m based in Chicago, but I’m open to remote roles and relocating within the U.S.

I’d especially appreciate hearing
from anyone who:
• recently completed an H-1B transfer after a layoff
• knows companies currently hiring H-1B transfer candidates
• works somewhere hiring for this kind of background
• would be comfortable pointing me toward a recruiter, hiring manager, or referral process

Happy to share my resume privately by DM.

Thank you, I know a lot of people here are dealing with the same situation, and I appreciate any leads.

Kevin

Timeline (2026, premium processing, filed online):

- Apr 27: H-1B transfer filed

- Apr 30: RFE #1, related to my pending B-2 application

- May: Responded to the RFE on my B-2 application

- Jun: Responded to H-1B RFE #1

- B-2 got denied, so I went back to India

- RFE #2 on the H-1B asking for the $100k fee (since I'm now outside the US, the petition can only be approved for consular notification)

- Fee got blocked by the courts (First Circuit refused to reinstate it on Jul 24)

- Aug 5: RFE #2 response filed

- Aug 12: Status changed to "Premium Processing Clock Was Stopped"

- Since then: nothing. Status hasn't moved, and my attorneys say they never received any notice from USCIS.

Questions:

1. Anyone else whose clock got stopped after an RFE response on a fee-affected case, with no notice? Did you eventually get approved, and how long did it take?

2. Has anyone gotten a real answer from the premium processing unit about why the clock was stopped, or had any luck with a CIS Ombudsman request?

3. If you were approved for consular notification after a B-2 denial, how did your visa interview in India go?

TL;DR: H-1B transfer, B-2 denied, moved back to India, got a $100k fee RFE, responded Aug 5 after the fee was blocked. Clock stopped Aug 12 with no notice and no movement in 8 weeks. Looking for anyone in the same boat.