Turning Crisis into Opportunity

Background

Our client Cynthia, had built a career in a leading consulting firm. She was a manager excelling in litigation and data advisory services. Her department played a critical role in helping clients navigate complex challenges and make data-driven decisions within major corporations. For years, her commitment and expertise made her an important part of her team. However, her team was downsizing, and her role was eliminated. Even though Cynthia’s H-1B status was still valid for another year, the employer who sponsored her H-1B was terminating her contract, hence voiding that visa validity. This left Cynthia with a  60-day grace period to plan another route to secure her future in the United States. Shocked, Cynthia faced the possibility of returning home, but acted quickly by consulting with our office for a solution.

Case

After consulting with Cynthia, our team quickly crafted a solution to help Cynthia maintain her legal status in the U.S. She had been in the U.S. for the past four years, had acquired personal property and established financial accounts with multiple institutions. We recommended transitioning her from H1B to B2 visa status. Even though a B2 visa was a temporary visitor visa, it would buy Cynthia time to explore new opportunities in the U.S., and get all her personal obligations in the U.S. sorted. To ensure success, we guided her through the entire process, ensuring her application was prepared perfectly.

  1. We helped gather the necessary documentation. It was important to include her current H-1B approval and termination letter from her employer.
  2. Next, we crafted a compelling explanation for her visa extension’s request.
  3. Finally, we reviewed and prepared the application for submission to USCIS.

When employees are terminated from their work visas, it’s important to act quickly to maintain their legal status in the United States. If the employee were to remain in the U.S. after their grace period, it could lead to further complications.

Verdict

Within a month of filing, USCIS approved Cynthia’s B-2 visa application. This allowed her to remain in the U.S. until April 2025. This successful transition from an H1b to B2 visa provided Cynthia with the time and space she needed to plan her next course. Whether that meant seeking a new job, furthering her education, or taking some time to plan her next steps, she now had more flexibility.

H1B to B2 Change of Status Timeline

How VisaNation Can Help You

Cynthia’s story is just one of many where our firm has been able to buy some time for our clients while navigating the complexities of immigration law. Whether you are in the same boat, facing an unexpected job loss, transitioning between visas, or seeking to come to the U.S., our team is here to help. We understand that every situation is unique, and we pride ourselves on crafting personalized case strategies. Contact us today to get started.