A former Google software engineer, who is a Chinese national on an H-1B visa, is sharing advice on LinkedIn for fellow tech immigrants on how to navigate job loss. Having experienced a layoff at Amazon previously and sensing potential job cuts at Google, he decided to take proactive steps to prepare for the possibility of being laid off. He emphasized the unique challenges faced by H-1B visa holders during layoffs, where securing a new sponsoring employer is crucial for maintaining legal status in the country.
H-1B workers are increasingly switching jobs, with over 1 million job switches recorded from fiscal year 2005 to 2023. Tighter labor market conditions, H-1B cap constraints, and government policies facilitating job transitions contribute to this trend. However, challenges persist for H-1B workers, including unequal treatment in the labor market and green card processing constraints. New employers must navigate a fee structure that varies based on their size and the status of their workforce.
US H-1B visa selection criteria to remain lottery-based, change proposal withdrawn - In January, the US proposed to modify H-1B visa rules, moving away from a lottery-based system to a selection based on ranking and wage levels.