Navigating Visa Applications

Boeing just announced they are cutting 17,000 people from their global workforce. This is a huge lay off—representing more than 10% of the company including many immigrant workers. Layoffs hit everyone hard, but for immigrant workers, the consequences can be devastating: 1/ Most visa holders have just 60 days to find a new job or leave the U.S. 2/ Visa-dependent spouses lose their work rights if the principal worker is laid off. 3/ Layoffs can derail the green card process, forcing workers to restart with a new employer. 4/ L-1 visa holders can’t switch companies—they must find a similar role within the same company or leave. 5/ Despite paying into benefits, visa holders can’t access all social services. If you’re a visa worker facing a layoff, here are a few options: - Ask for nonproductive paid status: Some companies will keep you on nonproductive paid status, extending your 60-day grace period to find a new job. - Change to a B-1 visitor visa: B-1 visa lets you stay for 6 months. While USCIS takes 10+ months to process, you can remain in the U.S. during this time and change back if you find a new job. - Change to an F-1 student visa: Enroll in a degree program while you search for a job. You can stay in the U.S. while your status change is being processed. - Start thinking about long-term status & lock in priority dates: There are options to get long-term status without employer sponsorship. For example, you can apply for an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver). This green card option allows advanced degree holders or those with exceptional skills to apply without a job offer. Fields like dentistry, VR engineering, and education have been approved. Layoffs are tough for everyone, including U.S. citizens. However, for visa workers, layoffs carry even greater consequences—it’s not just about losing a job; it could mean losing their chance at the American dream. Being an immigrant is hard, so let's be kinder to our immigrant friends & neighbors.

To immigrants who got laid off & are job hunting: an in-depth compilation of resources. Context: Over 22,500+ tech workers have been laid off in the past 2.5 months according to layoffs.fyi. Some estimates say it’s surpassed 30,000. Immigrants on visa face the additional stress of needing to leave the country in 60 days. Below is a compilation of resources to help you. 📌 Visa options to continue staying in America → Request "garden leave" from your employer (they keep you on payroll for an extra month or two) → Shift to a B-2 visitor visa temporarily via Change of Status. Check FileMyB2 website. → Shift to H-4 visa & get an EAD (if married to an H-1B holder with I-140 approved) → Return to school on an F-1 visa for a year (Change of Status) → Switch to a cap-exempt H-1B by working for a uni/hospital/non-profit research org → Apply for the O-1 visa through an agent (which has no cap or min. salary) (Link to a free guide on the O-1 I wrote with a lawyer: https://lnkd.in/d8fNeYUi 📌 Job boards for visa holders → ChicagoH1BConnect – Connects H1B visa holders with jobs in Chicago → AiTou Technology – Job listings & resources for tech professionals → MyVisaJobs.com – Visa sponsorship job listings → H1BVisaJobs.com – H1B visa job listings across industries → USponsor Me – Focuses on visa sponsorship jobs in the U.S. 📌 Platforms for mentors & mock interviews → adplist.org – Free mentorship opportunities → topmate.io – Connect with paid expert mentors → JobInterview.coach – AI-powered interview coaching 📌 Tools for resume optimization → Teal – Resume optimization & job search tools → Careerflow.ai – AI-powered resume improvement → Jobscan – ATS-friendly resume optimization 📌 Job search trackers → Simplify – Automates job applications → Huntr – Organizes job search efforts → Jackfruit – Tracks job applications 🌿 Please re-share this post so it helps more people. 🎁 Here’s a free guide on cracking your job interview: https://lnkd.in/g4U2QYWB :)

To anyone on an H-1B or L-1 visa who’s just been laid off: I see you. This moment feels heavy, uncertain, and urgent. But, you’re not powerless, there are steps you can take. ✅ First, know your window. H-1B holders have a 60-day grace period (or until your I-94 expires) to find a new role or adjust your status. L-1 holders often have a similar, though unofficial, 60-day window. ✅ Start the job search now. Update your resume, reach out to your network, and apply to companies that can sponsor H-1B transfers. You can begin working with a new employer as soon as your transfer petition is filed, no need to wait for approval. ✅ Talk to an immigration attorney. You may have more options than you realize: changing to a B-2 visitor visa, shifting to a dependent status (like H-4), or exploring study or extraordinary ability visas like the O-1. ✅ Stay in status. If you need more time, file a change of status. Even a B-2 application can buy you breathing room while you plan your next move. Overstaying isn’t worth the risk. ✅ And if you need to leave the U.S. temporarily, it’s not the end. You can absolutely return stronger. Many have walked this road and come back better equipped, with more clarity, purpose, and opportunity. If you’re going through this, remember—You’re not alone. You belong here. #theBOLDjourney

BIG Immigration News: DHS just finalized a rule that ends "duration of status" for international students. If you're on an F-1 or J-1, this changes how long you can stay and what it takes to extend. For years, most international students could stay in the U.S. as long as they maintained status, with no fixed expiration date. Starting mid-September, 2026, every F, J, and I nonimmigrant gets a fixed "admit-until" date on their Form I-94. F and J visas are capped at 4 years, language students at 24 months, and media visas at 240 days. Here's what you need to know: 1/ Renewing your status now means a full USCIS filing. What was previously a SEVIS update handled by your DSO will require a formal I-539 filing, along with a compelling reason like a documented academic delay or medical issue. Academic probation will not count. 2/ An overstay triggers unlawful presence immediately. If you miss your fixed I-94 date without a timely pending extension, the clock starts the next day, without any formal finding from USCIS. 3/ The old bridge strategies will no longer work. F-1 students can't change to a program at the same or lower level, which ends the "Day-1 CPT" move people used after missing the H-1B lottery. Graduate students can't change majors or transfer schools mid-program except in rare SEVP-authorized cases. 4/ Work authorization and permission to stay are now two separate filings. Applying for OPT or STEM OPT does not extend your time in the country, so if your I-94 is expiring, you file both the I-765 for work and the I-539 to extend. One exception: from mid-September 2026 to mid-March, 2027, a timely I-765 protects your stay on its own. 5/ The grace period drops from 60 days to 30. If an extension gets denied, there is no grace period at all, and you and your dependents must depart immediately. What to do now: If you're a founder on an F-1 or STEM OPT, map your I-94 date against your OPT timeline today. Don't assume they extend together anymore. If you're hiring international talent, ask candidates where they sit on this timeline before you build a role around them. A 30-day grace period leaves little room to transfer an H-1B or file an O-1. And if your long-term plan leans heavily on staying in student status, this is the moment to look at paths that stand on their own, like the O-1, EB-1, or EB-2 NIW. We're tracking this closely and will share updates as the rule moves forward.

🌍 Want to work abroad? Aim for companies that are already global. One of the smartest ways to land an international job — especially with relocation support — is by targeting multinational companies. Think Google, Amazon, Siemens, SAP, Microsoft, and many more. Why it works: ✅ These companies have offices around the world ✅ Many offer visa sponsorship and relocation packages ✅ Internal mobility is encouraged — so you could start locally and transfer globally ✅ They’re often more experienced in hiring international talent 💡 Pro Tip: Use filters like “relocation,” “visa sponsorship,” or “global mobility” when searching their career pages or job boards. Also, check if they run: 🔹 Graduate programs with global tracks 🔹 Remote roles with future relocation opportunities 🔹 Internal transfer programs for existing employees 📌 Bonus: Multinationals tend to have structured onboarding, cross-cultural teams, and strong support systems — great if you're moving to a new country for the first time. The world gets smaller when you get strategic. Start global from day one. 🌐💼 Are you targeting any multinational companies in your job search? Let’s talk about it below Sandeep Khaira⬇️

You don’t need a business idea that works in Canada, you can still apply for the Start-up Visa. Yes, it’s true. The Canada Start-up Visa is one of the easiest ways to move with your family. Here’s how it works step by step: 1. Qualify first - You must own at least 10% shares in the business. - Together with the organization, you must hold more than 50%. - Show proof of funds to support yourself and your family. - Have basic English or French (CLB 5 level). 2. Get support from a Canadian organization There are 3 types: - Venture Capital Fund – invests minimum CAD 200,000. - Angel Investor Group – invests minimum CAD 75,000. - Business Incubator – accepts you into their program (no money needed). 3. Letter of Support & Commitment Certificate You will receive a Letter of Support (LOS). The organization sends a Commitment Certificate (CC) to IRCC. Both are compulsory for your PR application. 4. Apply for PR Send your application with the LOS, proof of funds, medicals, and police check. 5. Work Permit (optional) You can also apply for a work permit to start your business in Canada while waiting for PR. 3-year open work permit that allows you to work while you are building your start-up with your partners. The best part? You don’t need to already have a million-dollar idea. All you need is an innovative business concept and the right support. If you want to know how to connect with the right organizations or understand if you qualify, we at Let's Emigrate can guide you. Helped more than 20 clients get the PR through SUV. #StartupVisa #CanadaImmigration #GlobalEntrepreneurs #LetsEmigrate #Innovation

Navigating the U.S. job market as an international STEM student can be daunting, especially when it comes to securing an OPT extension. As someone who has been through this journey, I want to share some actionable advice to help you successfully extend your training period in the U.S.: - Start Early: Begin your preparation for the OPT application well before graduation. This includes understanding the timelines and required documentation to ensure a smooth application process. - Engage in Relevant Internships: Gaining practical experience in your field through internships is crucial. Not only does this enhance your resume, but it also increases your chances of employment post-graduation, which is essential for maintaining your visa status. - Stay Informed: Immigration policies can change rapidly, and staying updated with the latest information is vital. Regularly check official resources, attend seminars hosted by your university's international student office, and consider consultations with immigration experts. - Network Extensively: Building a strong professional network can provide support and open up opportunities. Attend industry conferences, participate in workshops, and connect with alumni who have gone through the OPT process (Like myself) -> Linkto calendly: https://lnkd.in/e-_yg5dM - Focus on Skill Development: In addition to your academic achievements, focus on developing skills that are in high demand, like data analytics, machine learning, and cloud computing. These can make you more attractive to employers looking for candidates eligible for STEM OPT extensions. - Document Your Journey: Keep detailed records of your job applications, interviews, and professional development activities. This documentation can be useful for both your H-1B application and future career opportunities. Empower your career path by being proactive, well-informed, and resilient. Remember, the key to success is not just navigating U.S. immigration policies but also excelling in your chosen field. #STEMCareers #OPTExtension #CareerDevelopment

Most tech sales professionals targeting Australia make this critical error that destroys their chances before they even apply.   Recently asked about transitioning tech sales careers to Australia - here's the systematic approach I use when advising professionals on international moves.   Having built global teams and facilitated talent movement from the U.S. to Singapore and Australia to London, I understand how international career transitions actually work.   Strategic Framework for International Tech Sales Moves:   1. Location-First Strategy Development: Research visa pathways, employer sponsorship patterns, and local hiring practices. Australia's primary tech hubs - Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane - each have distinct market characteristics. Target multinational companies, remote-friendly organizations, or firms scaling into APAC markets.   2. Global Professional Positioning: Optimize your LinkedIn presence with international keywords: "APAC market experience," "cross-border sales," "international GTM strategy." Highlight any global client work, partnerships, or market exposure - even indirect experience demonstrates international capability.   3. International Hiring Channel Access: Leverage platforms like AngelList, Otta, and WorkInStartups for global opportunities. Use LinkedIn's regional filters and engage directly with Australian-based hiring managers and recruiters rather than relying solely on traditional application processes.   4. Universal Value Communication: Focus on quantifiable sales metrics that translate across markets: ARR closed, market expansion results, deal velocity improvements, and B2B enterprise wins. Your performance data speaks a universal business language.   Core Principle: International employers prioritize transferable value over geographic familiarity. In tech sales, this translates to strategic thinking, communication excellence, proven results, and cultural adaptability.   What international career transitions have you observed or experienced in your professional network?   Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju   #deepalivyas #eliterecruiter #recruiter #recruitment #jobsearch #corporate #internationaljobs #globaltechcareers #workabroad #careerstrategist

Lots of recruiters / HR people in American companies are hesitant to consider candidates who will need a visa to work in the United States. Not every work visa requires a ton of cost or paperwork! Here's a quick guide to work visas for anyone hiring for American companies: TN visas - citizens of Canada and Mexico can work in the US on a TN visa. Generally easy to acquire for most professional / corporate jobs. Paperwork burden for US companies is minimal. Cost is zero to the company (the applicant will pay a small fee at the border). You can handle these without using an immigration lawyer. H1b visas - nonimmigrant foreign nationals can work in the US using an H1b if they are in a "specialized occupation" such as engineering, architecture, medicine, etc. There is a fair bit of paperwork for the employer, and generally at least 5-10k worth of filing and attorney fees (worth it!). O1 visas - this visa is reserved for professionals with "extraordinary ability or achievement." This visa is generally reserved for people in research, science, medicine, and the arts. This requires recognition / acclaim from leaders in that field. These visas are more difficult to acquire, but an agent can apply on behalf of the candidate, or the employer can file. If someone is filing for an O1, you want to work with a lawyer. However hiring someone already holding an O1 requires very little paperwork or cost to the employer. F1 OPT (sometimes just called OPT, STEM OPT, etc) - foreign nationals may work for any employer following their graduation from an American University. This lasts for 1 year, but if the candidate has a degree from a STEM field, it can. be extended another 2 years. There is no cost to the employer, and no paperwork burden to hire these candidates (aside from signing a form). This too you can handle without a lawyer but after 1-3 years they will need to switch to another work visa.

As an international student living in the U.S., I’ve felt the uncertainty of visas firsthand. You work hard, study hard, build a career you love… and still, so much depends on a lottery. When the H-1B results come out, one email can decide your future... and that’s terrifying. I’m writing this post to let you know that H-1B isn’t the only path. Over the past few months, I’ve spoken with immigration attorneys, founders, and alumni who successfully built U.S. careers without H-1B. Here’s what I learned: O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability) → For high achievers in STEM, business, or the arts. No lottery, renewable, and a direct path to EB-1A. L-1 Visa → For employees of multinational companies moving to a U.S. branch or starting a new one. E-2 Investor Visa → For founders from treaty countries investing in U.S. startups. IEP (International Entrepreneur Parole) → Up to 5 years for venture-backed founders. EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability Green Card) → For individuals with sustained national or international acclaim. EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) → For professionals whose work benefits the U.S. significantly, allowing self-petition. I compiled all of these (with official USCIS links) in this week’s HireMe newsletter to make your next steps clearer. Subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/dMKTvb8w Disclaimer: I’m not an immigration advisor. This post is for informational purposes only. Always consult an attorney before making decisions.