r/h1b_layoffs

I’m currently in a really difficult situation and would appreciate any advice from people who may have gone through something similar.

I came to Seattle earlier this year on an H1B visa after accepting a job with a small construction company. I relocated from Texas, signed a 12 month lease, moved all my belongings, and started working in January 2026.

A few months later, I was suddenly let go around mid March. The company never provided me with a proper termination letter, stopped responding to messages for weeks, and I later realized they also failed to pay me for multiple weeks of work. My last valid paystub was for Feb 21 even though I continued working until March 16.

Because of the missing paystubs and lack of documentation, a new employer that wanted to transfer my H1B eventually rescinded my offer due to insufficient proof of employment. I had already stopped applying elsewhere because I thought the transfer was moving forward.

I filed a wage complaint with Washington L&I, but the employer pressured me into withdrawing it by saying they would help me with immigration paperwork. After that, communication became inconsistent again.

I recently filed a B2 Change of Status to avoid falling out of status while figuring things out, but honestly this entire situation has been mentally and financially exhausting. I spent thousands relocating and breaking leases, and now I may have to leave the U.S. despite trying to do everything legally.

I’m now speaking with an employment attorney who is asking for a $2,500 retainer fee to pursue the unpaid wages and related issues. For anyone who has been through something similar, was hiring an attorney worth it in your case? Did it actually help speed things up or improve your outcome?

Has anyone dealt with:

Employers withholding paystubs or delaying final pay on H1B?
H1B transfer issues because of missing documentation?
USCIS accepting alternate proof of employment instead of paystubs?
Refiling wage complaints after withdrawing them?
Whether hiring an attorney for this kind of situation was worth the cost?

Any advice would genuinely help. Thank you.

My grace period expires June 24th. It might take me 2 weeks to finalize an offer. Would a little under 3 weeks be enough time for a company to file an H1b petition for me?

Hi! I'm Henry Lindpere, immigration attorney at Manifest Law.

If you were laid off, your grace period generally starts the day after your last day of paid employment. For most visas, that's up to 60 days. The options available to you depend on what status you're on and where you are in your green card process.

If you've got a question about your situation, your options, or what to do first, feel free to drop it below. I'll be answering live tomorrow (Thursday, May 21) at 12pm ET.

(All information shared here is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Your situation may require fact-specific guidance. For personalized legal advice, please consult an immigration attorney directly.)

Hey everyone,

Using a throwaway for privacy. I'm currently dealing with a complex Change of Status (COS) situation and just received the physical RFE details. Looking for insights from anyone who has navigated this or dealt with a similar RFE.

My Complete Timeline & Background:
August 2019: Came to the US on an F-1 visa.
May 2021: Completed my MS in Computer Science.
May 2021 – May 2024: Worked using initial OPT and STEM OPT extension.
June 2024: Started a Professional MBA (PMBA) program utilizing CPT.
April 2025: H-1B selected in the lottery.
October 2025: H-1B approved after responding to an RFE (Status changed F-1 → H-1B).
January 15, 2026: Unfortunately laid off by my employer.
March 15, 2026: Filed a COS (Form I-539) back to F-1 before my 60-day grace period ended. (To complete my PMBA course)
First week of May 2026: Upgraded the COS application to Premium Processing.

My Questions for the Community:
Has anyone successfully cleared such RFE ?

Job Hunt Strategy: Given that I am fighting this RFE to keep my legal status alive, is it worth it to aggressively fight for a new job/H-1B transfer over the next 6 months in this market? Or does this RFE make a future H-1B cap-exempt transfer too risky?

YOE - 4.5

And what is the best way to land interviews in this job market in IT sector?

I barely used 2 months of my H1B time. Got trapped in this B-2 denial nonsense and was forced to leave. Getting a job from outside US was difficult as it is and is now next to impossible because of this $100k nonsense.
For context, I know someone posted that people who are outside and have a valid visa stamp are getting approved without the fee, but my B-2 got denied on May 6 and received H1B RFE same day demanding $100k. Lawyer advised the company to not move forward and they rescinded my offer. I kept saying I have a valid stamp until end of 2027 but it felt on deaf ears, the lawyer said USCIS can very well see that.

Hi all, I have an unexpected interview opportunity. What is the best approach with my scenario?

Last day of grace period: June 4, 2026

Likely to receive an offer: By end of this week

I understand that with all the paper work/LCA, the new employer (Fragomen is likely the attorney office) might not have enough time to file H1b transfer before the deadline. I was originally planning to file B2 COS and already have all the documents ready to file. Should I hold on to my B2 COS application and file if needed in the very last few days? Worst case scenario, is "waiting for H1b transfer process to complete" an acceptable reason for B2?

Hi, as the title says, I was laid off while on H-1B cap exempt status. What’s my best bet for finding a job in a few months? Also, my country is part of the partially banned list, so when I do find a new employer, how will that affect me working for them?

Is it realistically achievable to get an H-1B transfer petition fully filed before June 8( last day of my grace period).

I accepted the offer today and worrying it might be late considering filling for LCA plus a non responsive immigration team

What can I do from my end to rush this, any documents I can keep ready for the immigration team.

Appreciate any advice.

Hi everyone — looking to see if anyone has been in a similar situation and how they navigated it.

I was laid off on March 13, 2026 and my 60-day grace period ended May 12, 2026. My H1B transfer was filed in premium processing on April 30, 2026, before the grace period ended and I’m currently working on receipt notice. I received a RFE on my case.

Timeline:

April 29: H1B transfer filed (premium processing)

April 30: USCIS received case

May 12: Status changed to “Request for Initial Evidence Was Sent”

Still waiting to receive details of the RFE from the attorneys.

I’m really hoping the RFE gets approved, but trying to understand contingency options. If the H1B were unfortunately denied after the grace period has already ended, what are the realistic next steps? I have the option to file H4 through my spouse — would that still be possible at that stage when am outside of grace period if filed immediately after a denial?

Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through something similar and what you did. Thanks!

I have applied for B2 CoS after H1-B layoff to gain time to wrap up everything here and plan the transition to move out of the country. I want to also travel a bit and see some more National Parks before I leave but I'm a bit worried about airports and flying given all the recent news.
Has anyone with a pending B2 CoS travelled by air domestically in the past 2-3 months and how was your experience at the airports? Did you face any issues or questions with TSA? I'm planning to carry passport, drivers license and B2 CoS receipt and related documents. Anything else to be aware of? Thank you!

I am a Product Owner. I am not trying to rub in.

My project recently ended in March '26 and my consultant company decided to let me go in April '26 as they were unable to get another project for me.

After applying to more than 350 -600 jobs (both fte and contract roles), I ended up receiving two job offers (both contract). One with Amex and another with a major retail-healthcare - Walgreens

I need some good suggestions on which one to join.

-Both roles are similar. Product Analyst + Project Management

- One is located in Phoenix and another in Chicago. I have to move for both the roles.

- My future team in Amex is a proper Desi team. Team with Walgreens is an American team.

- Pay is similar. Although Chicago is a little more expensive.

- Project duration in both the places is 1- 2 years.

- I have most of my experience in retail domain.

- Both have middle layer big desi consultant companies in between.

Please help me with factors to tap into to decide this. Or help me choose.

Subject: Seeking Guidance on H1B Transfer and Related Matters

Following is my current situation. I would appreciate your guidance:

1. I am 50 years old and currently working as an SAP Consultant. I have been actively applying for jobs but have not had success so far. Could you please suggest any companies that are open to sponsoring H1B visa transfers? I am available to join immediately and willing to relocate.
2. My son is currently in 11th grade, and transitioning to India may be difficult for him. If my wife and I have to return to India, would it be possible for my son to remain in the U.S. by converting his H4 visa to an F1 visa?
3. I currently have a home mortgage. Should I consider putting my house on the market for sale? If not, what are my options?
4. I also have a car loan. When would be the appropriate time to sell the car? I just casually asked the Car dealer, and he is offering very less amount.
5. What other options can I explore to continue staying in the U.S.?
6. If I have to move to India, what location will be the best for getting a new job and have comparable life to US?

I filed for COS from H1b to F-1 after layoffs on h1b and my classes are slated to start in August. I have already received an approval for F-1 status from USCIS in premium processing. I am slated to receive an offer in a few weeks and attorney has already greenlighted my COS application to h1b. I am curious what are the odds that my H1b COS petition will be rejected or RFEd since I intended on using F-1 as a bridge.

Also many people flagged misrepresentation as something USCIS may flag and that can lead to revocation of my currently approved F-1 visa. Can someone explain me this ?

Hi everyone! I’m Elizabeth Mavec, an immigration attorney at Manifest Law. I work with professionals navigating H-1B issues, employment-based green cards, layoffs, status transitions, and long-term immigration planning.

I know a lot of people in this community are dealing with layoffs, intense uncertainty, transfer concerns, grace period stress, and difficult decisions around staying in the U.S. or changing status. Happy to answer questions and provide general guidance where I can.

Ask me anything about:
• H-1B layoffs and the 60-day grace period
• H-1B transfers and premium processing
• H-1B to B-2, F-1, or H-4 change of status options
• RFEs and specialty occupation issues
• Employment-based green cards (EB-1, EB-2 NIW, EB-3)
• Pending I-485s after layoffs
• EADs, portability, and long-term planning
• General USCIS process questions

I’ll be here live tomorrow from 11 AM to 1 PM EST answering questions throughout the thread.

(Note: Any information shared here is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Your situation may require fact-specific guidance. For personalized legal advice, please consult an immigration attorney directly.)

https://preview.redd.it/0b6mjdc3c41h1.jpg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9ba3f504b4e9c35ce1b1ef6da8a613af2c4bbcd4

I’m in the country but my B-2 extension was denied. I have a valid stamp until end of 2027. My H1B COS was denied because the extension was denied. But why should I be subject to $100k even when I have a valid visa stamp? Why can’t I just cross the border and reenter? I have a previously issued valid H1B visa, I have more than 5 years of H1B time left.
Wasn’t the proclamation supposed to target new entrants?

Hey everyone,

I’m in a high-stakes visa situation and could use some perspective. After being laid off from Amazon (last day in Jan 2026), I filed for a B2 COS to stay in the US (Receipt: Mar 5). I’ve since landed a great offer from Microsoft, but I’m stuck in a procedural loop.

The Hurdle

MS legal refuses to file the H1B transfer until the B2 is approved. They’re calling it a "bridge" requirement to ensure status continuity.

The Personal Side

I recently got married (Dec 2025) and my spouse is here on H4 (no EAD). We’ve been burning through savings for months. I have an emergency fund that can sustain us for a few more months, but I’m starting to wonder, is it worth it? To cut costs, we broke our lease (running until Sep 2026) and are living with extended family. While they are amazing, the lack of privacy and the uncertainty of not knowing when we can move to the West Coast for this job is taking a huge emotional toll. I reached out to my manager on Apr 21 about the delay (projecting a mid-June start), but haven't heard back.

Questions for the community:

1. Manager Check-in: When should I ping my MS manager again? I don’t want to seem desperate, but I need to know if they’ll wait until Jun or further if there's more delay.
2. Move or Stay? Should I stay with family on the East Coast or move West now and wait there?
3. Will MS Wait? In your experience, how long does MS usually hold a spot for visa delays? What triggers a rescinded offer?
4. B2 COS timeline: Know this has come up a lot here, and I have seen mixed comments. For receipt date of Mar 5, when can I optimistically and pessimistically expect an answer?
5. CA workaround: Is there any workaround where I can ask for CA work visa until Sep (to omit $100K fee) and then get my H1B transferred?

Hi all,
Facing a layoff situation, transitioning from H1B to H4 at the end of this month. My husband’s passport is expiring in March 2027 and is up for renewal. Considering the long approval window for H4, what should the passport renewal timeline ideally be?

1. Apply for passport renewal with Tatkal, submit h4 after this (can be in the first two weeks of my grace period)
2. Apply for H4 with his old passport when he sends his passport for renewal later will this cause any RFE or not really?
3. Apply for both simultaneously, submit passport renewal receipt as proof.

Additionally will my I94 (valid till 2028) be shortened if I apply with his old passport (his I94 is valid till 2028) ? My personal immigration attorney is unavailable and hasn’t responded yet. Would love to know if anyone has gone through this🙏

I am currently on F1 visa. I have a civil engineering degree from my home country Ecuador. I wanted to study my Masters but didn't have the money to continue so just got a certificate in construction management from a community college instead and graduated in December.

I am waiting for OPT EAD to come in the mail and relocated for a job. My employer and I decided not to pay premium processing to get EAD right away and instead filed for H1B and I have been in the company as an intern AKA no pay. The company sponsored me for the H1B registration and I got selected. Now they're saying that I'm not a good fit for the company based on my internship but they can help me transfer my visa (btw in this internship I didn't do any construction or engineering just office work, printing and answering phones for FREE).

He said they'll file the petition for me but we have no idea how the transfer process will go since I still dont have my OPT EAD (filed early november - 6 months waiting) and I have no money to pay premium processing anymore! I am looking for jobs but don't even know when I would be able to start since I dont have my EAD yet. At this point the period of time for my OPT won't even be 12 months anymore given the 14 month after graduation rule.

Can someone please advise on next steps to take I am very concerned. I am also looking for a job in civil engineering where I could transfer my H1B if anyone can help with a referral I am willing to relocate again!

Hi Everyone!
I am curious to hear how others are thinking about this.

For people who still have a decent amount of time left on their H1B approval, say one year or more, why are more folks not considering leaving the U.S. and returning once an H1B transfer is approved?

I have been reading a lot of conversations about switching to B1/B2, but given the increased scrutiny and rejection risk lately, I’m trying to understand the reasoning behind that option.

My understanding is that the $100K fee should not apply if someone is returning on an already approved H1B / transfer, since they have previously held H1B status. Of course, I know individual cases can vary and this is not legal advice.

I’m personally debating whether to apply for B1/B2 in the next few days or leave the U.S. and come back once I get a job. Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has thought through this or spoken to an attorney.

What are the main risks or advantages you’re considering with each option?