Three Essential Steps if You Lose Your Job While on a Business Immigration Visa

Losing a job when your employer sponsors your immigration status can be daunting. Since most business immigration visas, like H-1B, L-1, and E visas, are directly tied to your employment with a specific employer, losing your job means you can be at risk of losing your legal status in the U.S.

Being prepared for a termination is crucial. Fortunately, Antonini & Cohen Immigration Law Group specializes in business immigration and can help you protect your status. Please contact us to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you determine your next steps to keeping your work-based visa or sponsored Green Card.

Consult with an Immigration Attorney

If you lose your job, consult an experienced immigration attorney who is not affiliated with your former employer. This is essential since the attorney who initially filed your case must represent the employer’s interests, which may now conflict with yours. Independent immigration counsel can help you explore options for maintaining your legal status in the U.S., including transitioning to another business immigration visa if a new employer is available to sponsor you.

Certain visas, like the H-1B, may be transferred to another employer. However, for others, like the E and L visas, finding a solution may require different steps, though it is still possible. Options include switching to B status while you seek a new job or even to F-1 status to continue your education. Acting promptly with your attorney can give you the best chance of success.

Leave on Good Terms

A positive relationship with your employer can go a long way. Former employers may help by providing essential documents, keeping your Green Card process open, or extending your termination date to allow more preparation time. These small gestures can significantly affect your ability to transition smoothly while preserving your business immigration status.

Act Quickly and Keep Track of Deadlines

Most business immigration work visas offer a 60-day grace period to find new employment, file a new petition, or change your status. This grace period applies even if your visa and I-94 documents remain valid, making timely action essential. With the proper guidance, this window can be enough to secure a new position or take steps to adjust your immigration status.

At Antonini & Cohen, our experienced business immigration attorneys in Atlanta understand the urgency and complexity of maintaining your status when employment situations change.

If you need guidance, contact us today at (470) 428-3200 or via our contact form. We know how to navigate these transitions and keep your immigration path on track.

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how.