Potential Next Steps for Nonimmigrant Workers Affected by Recent Large-Scale Tech Layoffs

Tech giants such as Twitter, Meta, and Amazon, have laid off thousands of employees. This month alone, more than 24,000 tech workers have been laid off so far, bringing the number of tech layoffs this year to approximately 120,000, as calculated by layoffs.fyi.

This abrupt change undoubtedly affects nonimmigrant workers who now contend with the possibility of having to leave the country. However, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) states that “nonimmigrant classifications may be granted grace periods of up to 10 days before and after their validity period, and a grace period upon cessation of employment on which the foreign national’s classification was based, for up to 60 days or until the end of their authorized validity period, whichever is shorter, during each authorized validity period.”

Visa holders are advised to check their I-94 Departure date ASAP to determine when their authorized period of stay will expire. In the meantime, laid-off workers are urged to “readily pursue new employment should they be eligible for other employer-sponsored nonimmigrant classifications or employment in the same classification with a new employer.” As shifts within the tech industry continue to develop, nonimmigrant workers are advised to stay vigilant and prepare for all potential outcomes.

If you have any questions about your immigration options, please contact one of our expert attorneys for more information. Williams Global Law has extensive experience with supporting nonimmigrant visa holders and would be glad to provide legal assistance.

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