US extends H1-B visas and allows those who lose jobs to stay on 8 months

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced relaxation of H1-B visa deadline and delays other immigration procedures.
  
• The USCIS said that non-immigrants can now apply for an extension of stay or change of status permit.
  
• As of now, Indians who lose their job in the country can stay a maximum of two months before they need to leave the country.

Indian software engineers working in the US, who are worried about their employment and visa status can now sigh of relief.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) relaxed H1-B visa deadlines and delayed other immigration activities, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Those who lose their jobs can also stay on in the country for eight months instead of two.

“Generally, non-immigrants must depart the United States before their authorized period of admission expires. However, we recognize that non-immigrants may unexpectedly remain in the United States beyond their authorized period of stay due to COVID-19. Should this occur, the options of extension and late applications are available for nonimmigrants,” USCIS said.

The USCIS said that non-immigrants can now apply for an extension of stay or change of status permit. “US Citizenship and Immigration Services continues to accept and process applications and petitions, and many of our forms are available for online filing,” it said.

Indian trade body earlier appealed to the US to extend the grace period. "We have requested the Departments of Homeland Service, Labor and US Citizenship and Immigration Services for a 90 day grace period for professionals to depart the US following expiration of their H-1B/ L-1 visas,” IT industry body Nasscom said.

Before the extension, Indians who lose their job in the country could stay for a maximum of two months before they have to leave the country. Nasscom wanted it extended to six months.

However, US extended employment authorization for up to 240 days, that is eight months. “Where applicable, employment authorization with the same employer, subject to the same terms and conditions of the prior approval, is automatically extended for up to 240 days after I-94 expiration when an extension of stay request is filed on time,” USCIS said.

I-94 form is needed with all immigrant visas during the admission process to the country. However, Visa Waiver Program (VWP) entrants will not be able to extend their stay or change status. But in case of emergency, USCIS may grant an extension period of up to 30 days.

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Indian software engineers in US need a lease of life and extension of H1-B visa grace period, says Nasscom

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