Seeking Advice: Strategies for a 6-Month Break at Amazon Seattle (L1 Visa) Before Returning to India
== Used AI for reframing my question ==
Tldr - SDE 2 at Amazon Seattle on an L1 visa facing severe burnout. Planning to return to India by year-end 2026. Seeking the best legal and financial path to secure a ~6-month break to recharge, wrap up personal affairs, and explore the US without jeopardizing my or my wife’s (L2 visa) status.
Both are 31 year olds and she also works as SDE2 in Seattle on L2 visa for some other IT company.
Current Situation
- Visa Status: On L1-B (valid until Feb 2027); 4 years total in the US. Wife is an SDE working for another firm on L2 visa. Came to US from India in Jan 2022. Never got picked in H1B so couldnt switch either.
- Performance: Consistently rated "Exceeds" since 2022 in a Tier-1 team as I worked relentlessly in hope of promotion to become SDE3 but market , budget and team politics didnt help. And further added fuel to my lack of motivation.
- Problem: Extreme burnout due to high-complexity, "soul-draining" projects and lack of work-life balance.
- Objective: Secure 5–6 months of downtime (ideally with some pay/vesting) and exit the US by late 2026.
Key Questions & Options
1. FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act)
- Are L1 visa holders eligible for FMLA?
- What are the typical durations allowed, and does RSU vesting continue during this period?
- Would taking FMLA have any legal or professional impact on my wife’s L2 status or her current employment?
2. Short-Term Disability (STD) for Burnout
- Can STD be utilized for mental health/burnout in Washington state?
- What is the typical payout percentage and maximum duration?
- What documentation is required (e.g., therapist's recommendation, PCP note)?
3. Internal Transfer
- Is it feasible to switch to a "low-intensity" team within Amazon Seattle for the final 6 months?
- Are there specific orgs or team types known for better work-life balance?
4. Contingency & Grace Periods
- If I transfer and am later laid off or placed on a performance plan (PIP), what is the actual legal grace period to remain in the US?
- Does the 60-day grace period apply to L1 holders and their L2 dependents?
Baseline Goals
- Legal Status: Remain in the US legally through the end of 2026.
- Financials: Prioritize RSU vesting and partial salary if possible, though my wife’s income can cover living expenses.
- Exit Plan: Use the time to travel the US and handle the logistics of a permanent move back to India.
Looking for serious help as everyday feels a burden and i want to go back to India any day. but i think practically there are options to plan things smoothly as well.
Not going to join Amazon India and will start fresh with clean slate in India.