US Authorities to Tighten Visa Requirements for Foreign Workers

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new initiative aimed at stoking immigration restrictions. The agency proposes to entirely abolish the 60-day grace period that currently allows laid-off skilled foreign professionals, including H-1B visa holders, to remain in the country. According to a government notice cited by Reuters, the proposed rule will undergo a two-month public comment period before final approval.

Under the planned changes, foreign nationals holding H-1B and other temporary work visas must depart the US immediately if their employment terminates prematurely.

This proposal poses a significant blow to major US technology firms that rely heavily on IT talent from India and China. Established by Congress in 1990, the H-1B visa framework was designed to address local labor shortages by attracting highly qualified international talent.

If enacted, the stricter policy will extend beyond H-1B visas to affect several other categories, including:

• E-1 (international traders) and E-2 (commercial transportation operators);

• L-1 (executives and managers of multinational corporations);

• O-1 (individuals with extraordinary abilities in science, sports, and arts);

• TN (qualified professionals under trade agreements);

• H-1B1 (specialty occupation workers from Singapore and Chile) and E-3 (specialty workers from Australia).

DHS contends that this measure will free up job openings for American citizens. The agency anticipates that employers will either fill these vacancies with qualified US workers or re-submit Form I-129 petitions based on their staffing requirements.

"The department anticipates that companies will offer these positions to qualified American workers or re-engage in the I-129 petition filing process according to their labor needs," the official statement reads.

In effect since 2017, the 60-day grace period offered displaced foreign employees time to secure alternative employment or settle personal affairs prior to departure.

This initiative represents another step by President Donald Trump's administration to curb legal immigration following its return to power in January 2025. Previously, US officials raised filing fees for skilled worker visas and temporarily suspended immigration visa interviews at consular posts globally.