If you lost your job while on a visa, the situation may feel urgent — but in many cases, people are not out of status immediately.
What happens next depends on:
Your visa type
When your employment ended
Whether a grace period applies
This page gives a calm, fast overview of what many people experience.
Losing a job does not always mean immediate loss of legal status.
Many visas include a grace period or allow time to:
Transfer to a new employer
Change visa status
Prepare to leave the country properly
Panic decisions often cause more problems than job loss itself.
After job loss, people commonly:
Confirm their last official day of employment
Check whether their visa includes a grace period
Begin searching for a new employer or alternative status
Gather important documents (approval notices, I-94, passport)
Speak with an immigration attorney or official advisor if needed
If your job ended today or very recently:
Do not assume you are out of status
Do not leave the country in panic unless advised
Do not rely on rumors or social media advice
There is often a window of time to act.
👉 See If You Lost Your Job Today for immediate next steps.
This site explains:
Grace periods and timing rules
Differences between transfer vs change of status
What students on F-1 or OPT should know
Common mistakes that create unnecessary risk
It is written to help you understand your options before making decisions.
If You Lost Your Job Today
Grace Periods Explained
Common Mistakes
FAQ
This website provides general informational content only and is not legal advice.
Not affiliated with USCIS, DHS, or any government agency.
See About & Legal for full disclosures and privacy information.