H-1B & Work Visa Layoff Checklist

Start here

Confirm your official last day in writing.
Gather immigration and employment documents.
Write down benefits and severance deadlines.
Prepare questions for immigration counsel.
Do not assume any grace period applies to your situation.

A note on timing

Some work-authorized employees may have time-sensitive options after job loss. The timeline depends on your status, petition validity, I-94, employment end date, dependents, and other facts. Confirm your situation with qualified immigration counsel.

Choose your status

Pick the status that applies to you. We'll show what to confirm, documents to gather, and questions to prepare.

Document checklist

A general list of documents work-authorized employees often need. Your status may not require all of them.

Passport
Visa stamp
I-94
I-797 (if applicable)
EAD (if applicable)
I-20 (if applicable)
DS-2019 (if applicable)
Recent paystubs
Offer letter
Separation letter
Severance agreement (if offered)
Benefits notice
Dependents' documents (if applicable)

Get the Free Work Visa Layoff Checklist

An educational preparation tool, not immigration advice.

Privacy-first by design

No uploads. No sensitive document text required. The Layoff Document Self-Check works from the selections you make. We collect only the lead form information needed to deliver the checklist and improve the product. We do not ask for SSNs, passport numbers, I-94 numbers, bank details, or addresses. We do not sell your personal information or use lead form submissions to train AI models.

Go deeper

Layoff Document Self-Check

$19 one-time

Check the paperwork HR sent you without uploading sensitive documents. Selections-based, not legal review.

Full Layoff Triage Report

$39 one-time

Your complete personalized action plan. Educational preparation tool, not immigration advice.

FAQ

What does the Work Visa Layoff Hub help with?

It is a plain-English preparation hub for workers whose U.S. work authorization depends on their job, including H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, F-1 OPT and STEM OPT, and dependent work authorization. It helps you gather documents, confirm dates, and prepare questions to bring to a qualified immigration attorney.

Does Laid Off in America provide immigration advice?

No. We do not provide immigration advice. Our content is general and educational. For your specific situation, consult a qualified U.S. immigration attorney.

What documents should I gather after a work-visa layoff?

In general, it can be useful to keep recent paystubs, your I-94 record, copies of your visa or status approval notices, your separation or termination letter, written confirmation of your last day, and any communications with HR. A qualified immigration attorney can advise on what is needed in your specific case.

Laid off on a work visa? Start with dates, documents, and questions.