H-1B Worker Laid Off? Understanding the Change of Status in Relation to Yearly Cap
Posted by: ScottMond Law Firm
August 17, 2010
Topic: Employment Visas
Individuals holding H-1B visa status who are laid off have the option to change status to another non-immigrant category such as a F-1 visa. However, whether one would be subject to the cap when if he or she elects to return to H-1B status later needs to understood by the H-1B non-immigrant worker. Also, whether one’s time in another status counts against the 6 year maximum allowable time in H-1B status needs to be considered.
H1B Cap. First, if a foreign national worker changes to another status, such as F-1, will he or she later be subject to the cap when they want to return to H-1B status? In most cases, the answer is no. Generally, the only way to “trigger” the cap is if a worker is going out of the country for more than one year. So if Employee A is terminated from Employer A and then switches to F-1 status for 2 years; Employee A is not subject to the cap if he does not leave the country for more than 1 year when he applies for a new H-1B visa for Employer B.
Six Year Time Limit. Next, will one’s time in another status count against the 6 year limit on H-1B visas? Again, the answer is no in most circumstances. Admission is for a maximum of 6 years in H-1B status. Although, there are ways to extend the status in 1 to 3 year increments based on an employer filing a petition, we have not discussed that issue here. Continuing with our example, a foreign national in F-1 status for two years has not used two years of their 6 year limit in H-1B status.
Change of status can be a successful way to bridge one’s immigration status. Consulting with experienced and skilled legal counsel is essential.
ScottMond Law Firm
Washington D.C. (202)296.0122
