Viral Post explores alternatives for laid-off NRIs facing H-1B visa expiry – beyond returning to India – Investing Abroad News

A post shared on Reddit has sparked a wave of responses and advice from others who have faced similar challenges in the US immigration system. The user, a highly qualified professional holding a Master’s degree from a US university, is now grappling with an uncertain future after being laid off from their job just months before their H-1B visa expires.

The user’s situation is complicated by the fact that their employer never filed for the PERM (Program Electronic Review Management), preventing them from reaching the I-140 stage, which would have helped them transition to permanent residency. With their H-1B expiring this December, they only have until August to remain in the country legally. Unfortunately, despite their strong qualifications and work experience, companies have been hesitant to move forward with interviews due to the limited timeline on their visa.

The user has considered several options, including switching to a B-2 tourist visa to buy more time. However, they express skepticism, noting that if companies are already reluctant to hire due to their visa status, a B-2 visa may not provide any real advantage. The post also mentions “Day-1 CPT” (Curricular Practical Training), a path sometimes used by international students to work while studying, but they remain unsure about the legitimacy and sustainability of this option.

With a strong desire to stay in the US due to personal reasons, the user is exploring potential alternatives for long-term residence. The user has asked which is a stable option among:

• Are there any viable ways to stay in the US long-term at this point?
• If not, are there other countries (Canada? Europe?) worth looking into that are more welcoming to people with US degrees and work experience?
• If I absolutely have to move back, how can I set myself up for the best possible career path before leaving?

“Way to less time to do anything regarding 140”

The internet quickly reacted to the post. A user stated, ” Way to less time to do anything regarding 140. Day 1 CPT: High risk with the current administration. I am not sure if there are any colleges that offer them now. Here are the options I can think Getting married and changing to dependent status, Stay out of the country for 1 year and try for H1 again or L1.” Another noted, “Go back to school (PhD or masters in a different subject). Apply for NIW (if eligible) or spend 1 year outside the US then recapture time on your h1b. Not 100% sure of this one so do check. Apply for cap exempt roles like NGO or universities. H4 or other dependent visa. Definitely contact an immigration attorney. Don’t just get info online.”

A user claimed, “Canada is not good at the moment. Jobs are very less and pay is very bad unless you land big tech. Plus immigration is tough. You will have to live a middle class lifestyle. many have emigrated to India back.” “You can consider applying for Express Entry for Canada’s PR. But the pay in Canada is lesser than the US and the cost of living is high.  Also, many people are finding it difficult to get a job in Canada as they seem to have more immigrants than jobs currently,” added a user.

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