r/h1b_layoffs

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 What triggers a rescinded offer?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?

I had filed for B2 extension in Nov 2025 and it was denied today. H1B petition was filed in February, received NOID on B2, denied after responding. I had requested until May 10 and they denied today on May 6. H1B decision should be out today or tomorrow. My question is did I start accruing unlawful presence since Nov because of the B2 denial or would it start tomorrow? I will be leaving in a week.

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!

I had entered the US in H1B status at the beginning of 2025. I have a valid stamp until 2027. After job loss, I applied for B2 which was approved. I later filed for an extension which was denied today, more than 5 months later, 2 days before my requested date because of pending H1B application from a new employer.

I will be leaving soon but there will still be a week of overstay between now and next weekend when I plan to leave.
The attorney said the pending H1B will provide protection against unlawful presence but I don’t think that’s true because it was filed in Feb 2026, way after my initial approved B2 ended.

My question is under 222(g), will my existing H1B visa stamp which is valid until 2027 be voided because of the overstay? Since that’s the visa I used to enter the US?

*People with denied B2 and a valid H1B stamp, can you please share your experience?

Hi everyone,

There are a lot of different posts about Nov 2025 H1B → B2 COS cases, so I thought I’d create one common thread for people to follow/share updates.

Has anyone who filed H1B → B2 COS around Nov 2025 received approvals or RFEs yet?

Also had 2 questions:

1. What happens if the B2 decision comes after 180 days?
2. Any recent success cases for B2 pending → H1B COS approval without leaving the US?

Would appreciate if people can share timelines, RFEs, approvals, or attorney guidance. Thanks!

Hey everyone, wanted to get some community thoughts on my situation.

**Background:**

- Was on H-1B, got laid off January 2026

- Filed COS to F-1 with genuine intent to pursue a Master's degree (classes start August 2026, already enrolled)

- F-1 was approved

- Now actively job searching — if an offer comes through, the new employer would file a cap-exempt H-1B COS

**My concern:**

Since the F-1 was approved but classes haven't started yet, I'm worried USCIS could flag the H-1B petition under the **preconceived intent doctrine** — essentially questioning whether I ever truly intended to study or just used F-1 as a bridge while job hunting.

For context, I do have a detailed and specific statement of purpose on file that documents my academic rationale, and the prospective employer would be using an experienced immigration firm.

**Questions for the community:**

- Has anyone successfully gone through a similar H-1B → F-1 → H-1B transition?

- Did USCIS raise any preconceived intent concerns in your case?

- Any RFEs or denials on this basis that you've seen or heard of?

Not looking for legal advice — just want to hear real experiences. Thanks in advance!

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?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for guidance on my H-1B situation and next steps.

I previously worked in the U.S. on an H-1B (picked in the lottery via change of status from F-1). I have a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and about 5 years of professional experience in the U.S. I worked directly for a Fortune 100 company (not a consultancy).

I traveled to back home to get married and went for H-1B visa stamping, where my case was placed in 221(g) administrative processing. Unfortunately, it remained in that status for over a year. During that time, I continued working remotely, but eventually my employer had to let me go since I couldn’t return. After that, my H-1B petition was revoked.

Now I’m trying to understand my options moving forward,

My questions:

\* What are my best options at this point to return to the U.S. on H-1B or otherwise?

\* How much will my previous 221(g) affect future visa stamping chances?

\* i have a new job offer, will my employer have to oay 100k?

\* Has anyone been in a similar situation and successfully gotten their H-1B stamped afterward?

I’d really appreciate any insights or experiences. Thanks in advance!

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

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some guidance because I’m getting overwhelmed reading different cases online and am not sure what the right decision is.

Here’s my situation:

• I was laid off on February 5th, 2026
• I applied for B2 change of status on March 30th, 2026 (still pending)
• I recently received a job offer
• The project is set to start on June 24th, 2026
• The company is willing to file an H1B in premium processing

However, the company has clearly told me there is risk involved, and if I want to proceed, they can file, but there could be complications.

I’ve been reading a lot on Reddit and other forums about:

• B2 pending cases getting NOIDs
• H1B petitions getting RFEs when there is a pending/previous B2
• Issues around intent change and timing between status transitions

Now I’m really confused about what to do.

My main concerns:

• If I proceed with H1B premium while B2 is pending, what are the real risks?
• Is there a higher chance of NOID/RFE or even denial?
• If H1B gets approved but B2 is still pending, should I withdraw the B2?
• What is the safest/legal path to maintain status and avoid complications?

I want to do things correctly and avoid any status issues, but I also don’t want to miss this job opportunity becasue of the job market outside, and there's no guarantee when I will get a job if I wait for B2 approval and till the B2 timeline.

If anyone has gone through something similar or has experience with B2 → H1B transitions, any success stories, I would really appreciate your insights.

Thank you in advance.

Hi everyone,

I’m curious to hear from people who spent a significant amount of time in the US on H1B (5+ years, ideally 10+), but eventually had to leave, due to visa issues, layoffs, not getting picked, or any other reason.

If that’s you, I’d love to hear:

Where did you move after leaving the US?

What visa/path did you take?

What are you doing professionally now?

How does your lifestyle compare to the US (work-life balance, salary, savings, social life)?

How difficult was the transition?

Do you feel it worked out better or worse overall?

Would you recommend that country/path today?

If you considered multiple countries (Canada, UK, UAE, Europe, etc.), what made you choose one?

On a personal note, I’m exploring options myself and considering places like Bali or Thailand. Has anyone moved there (short or long term)? How realistic is it in terms of visas, work, and lifestyle?

Hi! I'm Mary Joy Chuba, an immigration attorney at Manifest Law focused on employment-based green cards (EB-1A, EB-3) and family-based pathways. I've worked with hundreds of professionals, researchers, artists, athletes, business executives, and tech leaders, through H-1B transitions, layoffs, and long-term green card strategy.

I'll be answering questions live on Thursday, April 30 from 12 to 2 PM EST and again from 4 to 6 PM EST.

Layoffs on H-1B are stressful but they don't have to mean leaving the U.S. There are usually more options than people realize, and the right move depends on your timeline, your priority date if you have one, and what category fits your profile best long-term.

Ask me anything about:

• The 60-day grace period and how it actually works
• H-1B transfer mechanics with or without a new offer
• Switching to B-2, F-1, F-2, H-4, or O-1 to buy time Whether your profile is strong enough for an EB-1A self-petition
• What happens to a pending or approved I-140 after a layoff
• AC21 portability and keeping your priority date
• Family-based fallbacks (spouse, parent, F-2A) while you regroup
• EB-3 as a backup pathway when EB-1A or EB-2 NIW isn't a fit

Drop your questions below, I'll be answering during both windows above.

(Please 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/1jq7gljpucyg1.jpg?width=4776&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=333b629ff71ca9da0394b793c0203d885677cf93

Friends, I'm sharing my personal experience here and looking for some advice and perspective:

I recently got laid off in late November 2025. Before my 60-day grace period ended, I applied to convert to B2 status in January 2026, and that application is currently pending.

I was fortunate to found a new job with a tech company in early March,2026. They filed a COS petition to move me from B2  to H1B using Premium Processing on March 18.

However,2 weeks later**,**  USCIS sent me an unusual RFE, which requested my B2 visa I539 to be approved first before the H1B officer can adjudicate my H1B COS. This RFE reason seems to be different from  the 'maintenance of status' or 'intent' RFEs I’ve seen on the forum. 

But as we all know B2 takes 5+ months to get approved, maybe even longer. And there is no official way to expedite the B2. I asked my new employer's immigration lawyer (Fragomen) if it's a good idea to not wait for B2 approval and directly respond to RFE right now  requesting concurrent adjudication of H1B and B2 , which was the standard practice before this year's scrutiny. But my lawyer recommends against it!! They are concerned it’s premature and might force me into Consular Processing, which means I need to leave the country soon and risk that $100K proclamation fee! 

I'm really out of ideas and very worried that my offer won't stay on the table for another 5 months! It's so frustrating they make it so hard for qualified knowledge worker to stay and contribute.

1. Has anyone else dealt with this specific 'B2 approval first' RFE recently? If you’ve successfully navigated this or are in the same boat, please share your experience or DM me. Any advice on how to handle this would be much appreciated!
2. How valid is my lawyer's advice?? I understand they are on the more risk-averse side, but waiting for 5 months seems more risky to me! would directly respond to RFE right now requesting concurrent adjudication of H1B and B2 really trigger Consular Processing AND that $100K proclamation fee? I thought that $100K only applies to people who files a new H1B while they are abroad, which does not apply to my situation (I've been in the US while the H1B COS is filed!)

I got laid off and found a new job willing to transfer with about 40 days left in my grace period. The attorney was very proactive during the document collection process, all the documents were received last Thursday and they still haven’t filed the LCA it’s Wednesday. Keep saying they are finalizing the LCA. My grace period clock is ticking I’m getting very worried that something is wrong and feel like they’re not communicating to me and not giving me a timeline. I signed a lease and will be moving soon so I’m very very worried. There’s so much on the line and I have been reaching out every day but they just keep saying it’s on track and not giving me any concrete answers. I know the LCA filing is quick and straightforward so I’m very worried and don’t know what to do.

Edit- I now have 35 days in my grace period.

Hey everyone,

I’m currently in my H1B grace period and trying to figure out the safest timing to apply for a B2 change of status.

My situation is pretty straightforward:

I am actively looking for H1B transfer opportunities

At the same time, I may need a few extra days beyond the grace period to wrap up things here before leaving the US

So the B2 is not for job searching, just to extend stay slightly for personal/logistical reasons

I’m already aware of the complications around B2 → H1B transfers and want to avoid getting into that situation

What I’m trying to understand is:

When is the best time to apply for B2 during the 60-day grace period so that it does NOT interfere with a potential H1B transfer?

For example:

Is it safer to apply closer to day 60?

Or earlier, in case of processing delays?

If an H1B transfer is filed after B2 is submitted, does that create risks or extra steps?

I’m trying to minimize any chance of:

RFEs

COS complications

Or being stuck in a situation where I need consular processing unnecessarily

Also, if anyone has gone through this, could you please share:

👉 How exactly did you apply for B2 (change of status)?

👉 Any reliable step-by-step guides or official documentation you followed?

👉 Do I need to include documentation explaining why I need the B2 for a short extended stay? If yes, what kind of proof did you provide?

From what I understand, this involves filing Form I-539, but I’d really appreciate:

A clear checklist of documents (cover letter, proof of funds, intent to leave, etc.)

Examples of acceptable justification for a short extension (like wrapping up lease, travel planning, shipping belongings, etc.)

Any common mistakes to avoid

Would really appreciate insights from people who’ve been through this or understand the timing nuances well.

Thanks in advance!

Background:
I’m currently working in the U.S. on an L1B visa. Last year, I was selected in the H1B lottery and already received an approved I-797B (Consular Processing).

Now I have a verbal offer from a new company, and I’m hoping the new employer can help “activate” my H1B through a transfer / new filing. However, the company’s immigration law firm, Fragomen, told me that it cannot be done.

What confuses me is that most information I’ve found online — including analyses from various AI tools — suggests that this should theoretically be possible. From what I understand, since I was already counted against the H1B cap, the new employer should be able to file a cap-exempt H1B petition with Change of Status (COS) from L1B to H1B, without going through the lottery again.

However, I can barely find any real-world cases or experience sharing about this situation online which makes me unsure whether this actually works in practice.

So I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has real experience with a case like this:

\-Currently on L1B
\-Previously selected in the H1B lottery
\-Already have an approved I-797B under Consular Processing
\-Switched to a new employer before activating H1B
\-New employer filed H1B COS inside the U.S. without consular processing or visa stamping

Is this actually doable?
Has anyone successfully done this, or received a clear explanation from an attorney about the limitations or risks involved?

Hey. I am 10 days into my grace period. Currently my options are to join my friend at a YC backed company as a GTM analyst from a Data Analyst but he said he can only provide 20 hrs for now and cannot do premium processing.
My other option is day 1 cpt. What should i do? Just want to know the limitations of joining my friend

I’m trying to understand if this path is practically working for people, not just theoretically.

Scenario:
Laid off on H1B (within 60-day grace period)
Switched to F1 via Change of Status
Later found a job and employer filed H1B transfer
Switched back to H1B before completing the course

Questions:
Has anyone here actually done this end-to-end?
Did your H1B transfer go through as COS (F1 → H1B) or consular?

Any issues with status gaps / bridge petitions?
Did leaving the program mid-way create complications (SEVIS termination, etc.)?

How much did school quality / CPT structure matter in your case?

Would you recommend this path or avoid it?
Not looking for legal advice—just real experiences (success or failure) and pitfalls to watch for.

My PERM was finally filed in Oct 2025.

I was in 6th year of H1B with final date of September 2026. Everything was going per plan and my employer had already filed for 1 year extension

And then bummer..I got laid off yesterday

Not sure what options do I have

I don't have enough time to look for another job on H1.

What happens to my ongoing PERM?

If I join the same company again on same role, pay and location, can they resume the PERM process?

Any help is appreciated.

Hi all, I’d really appreciate any insights from people who’ve been in a similar situation.

My situation:

- I’m on H1B with approved I-140

- Got laid off, last day (termination date): July 1

- My 60-day grace period ends around Aug 30

- My wife is on H4 + valid EAD (currently working)

- She has an approved H1B (COS) starting Oct 1

What we’re trying to do:

- I just want to stay legally in the U.S.

- Ideally, my wife continues working as long as possible until Oct 1

What lawyers told us (conflicting advice):

1. Lawyer A said:

   - File my H4 COS + her H1B COS

   - Both get approved before grace period ends

   - We can stay in the U.S. during September as “authorized stay”

   - BUT she should NOT work during the grace period and September

2. Lawyer B suggested:

   - Premium process her h1b and my H4

   - Leave the U.S. before grace period ends

   - Re-enter after Oct 1 with H1B/H4 visas (cleanest but more complex). $100k might kick in

My main questions:

- Is it really required for my wife to stop working in the grace period?

- Has anyone successfully continued working on H4 EAD during this kind of transition?

- Is staying in the U.S. without working in September considered “safe” long-term (for future H1B/GC)?

- Is leaving the U.S. actually necessary, or just the most conservative option?

Any real experiences or insights would be super helpful. Thanks a lot!