Background
Our client Cynthia was working 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.
VisaNation Case Strategy
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.
- We helped gather the necessary documentation. It was important to include her current H-1B approval and termination letter from her employer.
- Next, we crafted a compelling explanation for her visa extension request.
- 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 a 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.
