What we know
- The Trump administration has put forward a proposal to eliminate the 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders in the US, as reported by Online Khabar English.
- This change would require individuals to leave the United States immediately upon the termination of their employment.
- The US Department of Homeland Security stated that while this could affect company operations, it might also create opportunities for American workers.
What this means if you are travelling
- This policy change directly affects skilled workers holding H-1B visas in the United States, potentially requiring them to depart the country sooner if their employment ends.
- Travellers currently in the US on H-1B visas and anticipating a job change should monitor official US government announcements closely and consult with their employers or immigration legal counsel.
- For individuals planning future travel to the US for work on an H-1B visa, this proposal, if enacted, signifies a stricter timeframe for job transitions.
- This development is unlikely to directly impact tourists or trekkers planning visits to Nepal.
The Trump administration has proposed an end to the 60-day grace period currently available to H-1B visa holders and other skilled workers in the United States. This notice of the proposal was published online in a government notice on Thursday, according to Online Khabar English.
Details of the Proposed Change
Under the proposed rule from the US Department of Homeland Security, individuals on H-1B and similar temporary work visas would be required to leave the United States as soon as their employment concludes. This move could significantly alter the employment landscape for foreign professionals.
The proposal is part of a broader effort to restrict legal immigration, as noted by Online Khabar English. President Donald Trump's administration has also recently increased visa fees for skilled foreign workers and temporarily suspended immigrant visa appointments at US missions globally due to new training programs.
Potential Impact on Companies and Workers
Major American technology firms, which often rely on a significant number of foreign workers, could face operational adjustments due to this proposed policy change. The Department of Homeland Security has acknowledged that the alteration might impact these companies.
However, the department also expressed the view that such positions could be filled by American workers. This perspective suggests a focus on prioritizing domestic employment opportunities within the proposed immigration framework.
What This Means for Travel and Employment Plans
For those currently holding H-1B visas in the US, the elimination of the grace period means that any cessation of employment would necessitate immediate departure. This removes the current flexibility to search for new job opportunities or a new sponsor within the US over a 60-day window.
- Individuals on H-1B visas who are facing potential job loss should immediately seek clarification on their status and explore all available options.
- It is advisable to consult with immigration lawyers or the relevant US authorities for the most up-to-date information on the proposal's status and implications.
- Travellers planning non-work-related visits to Nepal are not directly affected by this US visa policy proposal.
The proposal is still under consideration and has not yet been finalized. Foreign nationals working in the US on temporary visas should stay informed about any developments from official US government channels.
Broader US Immigration Context
This proposed change to the H-1B visa grace period is consistent with a broader trend of the current US administration seeking to revise and potentially restrict legal immigration pathways. Recent actions have included increased visa fees and temporary suspensions of certain visa services.
Reported by
This update summarises reporting from the outlets below and adds our own planning guidance. Follow the links for the original reports.
Questions travellers are asking
Who is affected by the proposed change to the H-1B visa grace period?
The proposal primarily affects skilled workers in the US holding H-1B visas. If enacted, it would require them to leave the country immediately upon the end of their employment, removing the current 60-day period to find new work.
Does this proposal affect tourists or trekkers planning to visit Nepal?
No, this proposal relates specifically to US work visa regulations and has no direct impact on individuals planning leisure travel or trekking in Nepal.
When will this proposed change take effect?
The source material indicates this is a proposal that was disclosed in a government notice published on Thursday. It has not yet been enacted, and specific timelines for implementation are not provided.
Where can I find official information about this US visa proposal?
Official information would be published by the US Department of Homeland Security and potentially announced through US government channels. Online Khabar English reported on the disclosure of this proposal in a government notice.