US White House Proposes Ending 60-Day H-1B Grace Period

In a significant development, the White House has announced a proposal to eliminate the 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders, a move that could drastically affect thousands of foreign workers in the United States. This proposal, which has cleared initial reviews, is part of a broader effort to reform the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.

The proposal was made public on August 28, 2026, and comes amid ongoing discussions about immigration reform and labor shortages in key sectors such as technology and healthcare. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is directly involved in this initiative, reflecting a shift in policy focus under the current administration. The decision aims to streamline the visa process and encourage more rapid transitions for foreign workers within the U.S. job market.

This proposal is receiving heightened attention now due to the ongoing labor shortages in various industries, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic recovery. By removing the grace period, the administration seeks to compel H-1B holders to secure new employment more quickly, thereby addressing the immediate needs of employers struggling to fill vacancies.

Looking ahead, if the proposal is formally adopted, it could lead to increased pressure on foreign workers to find new positions swiftly, potentially resulting in a rise in job turnover and uncertainty for individuals relying on H-1B visas. The DHS is expected to release further details in the coming weeks, with stakeholders from various sectors closely monitoring the implications of this policy change.

Source: The Economic Times