I’m from Ghana and I’ve been living in Kentucky for a while now on a work visa. My employer recently hinted that they may not be able to renew my contract, and I’m very concerned about what that means for my legal status here. I want to know if I’ll have to leave the U.S. immediately once my employment ends or if there’s some kind of grace period that allows me time to either find another job or apply for a different visa. Has anyone experienced this situation before, and what are the real options I should be considering in Kentucky?

Question

Lalita Chakraborty · Accepted Answer

If your visa is tied to your employer, then once that job ends, your legal status usually ends too. However, most employment-based visas give you a short grace period to look for another employer or change your status.

Mahboubeh Mahboubeh · Answer

When your employment ends, you don’t have to leave Kentucky the very next day. U.S. immigration rules provide a limited grace period for people on certain work visas like H-1B, O-1, or L-1.

During that time, you can search for another sponsoring employer, file a change of status, or prepare to depart. If you secure a new employer and they file the petition in time, you can remain lawfully.

But if you do nothing and stay past the grace period, you risk being out of status and facing future visa complications.

John Dampson · Answer

There's usually a grace period of sixty says for some work visas, like H1B. I will advise you to do your research.

Leocadio Obeng

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