A grace period is a short window of time after job loss when some visa holders may remain in the U.S. without being immediately out of status.
Not every visa includes a grace period, and rules depend on visa type.
This page explains the idea in an easy to understand format
A grace period may allow time to:
Look for a new employer
File a change of status
Prepare to leave the U.S. properly
It does not mean unlimited time, and it does not protect every situation.
Grace periods usually start from your last official day of employment
They may be shorter if status already expired
Certain actions (like unauthorized work) can cancel them
Filing paperwork on time is often required
Missing a deadline can cause problems later.
Some visas may include grace periods, such as:
H-1B
L-1
O-1
TN
Rules vary, and not every person qualifies.
Some visas may have little or no grace period, depending on circumstances, including:
Certain student or exchange visas
Short-term or dependent statuses
Always verify your specific visa type.
During a grace period, people often:
Begin employer transfer paperwork
Consult an immigration attorney
Prepare a change of status filing
Organize documents and timelines
Doing nothing can waste valuable time.
Change of Status vs Transfer
H-1B After Job Loss
F-1 / OPT After Job Loss
FAQ
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