Laid off on H-1B? Attorney here. Ask me anything.
Hi r/h1b_layoffs. I'm Amanda Emerson, an immigration attorney at Manifest Law. I'll be answering your questions today from 12PM to 4PM EST.
Layoffs are stressful enough without having to figure out immigration status at the same time. There is a lot of conflicting information circulating right now about grace periods, paid notice periods, B-2 transitions, and what happens to your green card process if you lose your job. I want to help cut through the noise.
Ask me anything about:
- When your 60-day grace period actually starts, especially with WARN act or paid notice periods
- H-1B transfers, timing, premium processing, and filing on receipt notice
- H-1B to B-2, H-4, or F-1 change of status options
- What happens to your pending I-485, EAD, or AC21 portability after a layoff
- H-4 and H-4 EAD concerns when the primary H-1B holder is laid off
- OPT and STEM OPT unemployment clock during paid notice periods
- The $100K fee and who it actually applies to
- EB-1, EB-2 NIW, and long-term green card strategy after a layoff
Drop your questions below, I'll be answering live during the window above and checking back throughout the day.
(Please note: Any information shared here is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Your situation may require fact-specific guidance. For personalized legal advice, please consult an immigration attorney directly.)
Posted May 28, 2026, 10:43 AM UTC