US government proposes removal of 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders; says: DHS has determined that removal of the grace period restores the expectation of …

US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed eliminating a 60-day grace period that allows certain immigrants, including skilled workers on H-1B visas, to ‌stay in the United States after losing their job. The department has published a government notice in the Federal Register. As per the notice, those with H-1B and certain other temporary work visas may have to leave the country as ​soon as their employment ends. “DHS has determined that removal of the up to 60-day discretionary grace period best aligns the regulatory provisions with the statute and restores the expectation that aliens depart the United States upon cessation of the employment or activity on which the visa classification was based,” the notice reads.