Your visa clock after a layoff
Last reviewed 11 October 2026. Rules change often — check the official page for your country before you decide anything. This is shared experience, not legal advice.
United States (H-1B, L-1, O-1, E, TN). Up to 60 days from your last day of employment — not your last pay cheque — or until your I-94 ends, if sooner. A new employer's petition, a change of status, or leaving within that window keeps you in status. Travelling abroad ends the grace period. DHS has proposed removing this grace period; comments close 10 November 2026 and it is not in force. USCIS: options after termination · Federal Register: the proposal
Canada (employer-specific work permit). No grace period to work elsewhere: your status lasts until the permit expires, but you need a new permit before starting a new job. Apply before it expires. IRCC
United Kingdom (Skilled Worker). The Home Office usually shortens your permission to 60 days once it is told, if more than 60 days remain. Your family's permission can be shortened too. GOV.UK
Netherlands (highly skilled migrant, EU Blue Card, single permit). Three months from the end of your contract to find a new recognised sponsor — six months if you lost the job on or after 22 May 2026 after holding the permit for two years or more. IND
Germany (EU Blue Card). The card is not withdrawn for up to three months of unemployment, six after two years. Tell your Ausländerbehörde; practice varies by city. EU Blue Card Directive, art. 8
Belgium (single permit). The permit is withdrawn three months after the job ends, so you have about 90 days to get a new one through a new employer. You cannot work until it is granted. Flanders
Ireland (Critical Skills or General Employment Permit). Tell the Department within four weeks; you have six months to find a new job. DETE
Singapore (Employment Pass). Your employer cancels the pass and can ask for a Short-Term Visit Pass of up to 90 days; you cannot work on it. MOM
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Australia and elsewhere. The window depends on your visa category and changes often — check the official immigration site before you plan. Ask here which page others used.
The first seven days
Find the last day of employment on your termination letter; that date usually starts the clock. Read what a settlement or severance agreement does to that date before you sign. Check whether your country requires you to tell the immigration office. Check your partner's and children's status — it usually follows yours. Don't leave the country before you understand your options.
Scams aimed at people on a visa clock
Nobody legitimate charges you to "transfer" a visa, to put you on a payroll, or for a referral. Recruiters who move you straight to WhatsApp, "Day-1 CPT" pitches and fake job offers asking for fees are common right now. Never pay. Report the message and a moderator will remove it.
If it all feels too heavy
You are not alone, and losing a job is not a verdict on you. Free, confidential helplines in your country: findahelpline.com. For family in India: Tele-MANAS, 14416.