A welcome rule change for those in the US on a business or tourist visa
In a recent development, a US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said that people travelling to the United States on a business or tourist visa can now apply for new jobs and even appear in interviews. The agency said these visas include B-1 and B-2 while asking prospective employees to ensure the applicants have changed their visa status before starting the new role.
The federal agency said on Wednesday that non-immigrant workers who are laid off wrongly assume that they have no option except to leave the country within 60 days. This period starts after the termination of employment and if the non-immigrant workers are eligible, they can remain in the United States for the said period.
The move by the USCIS came as thousands of highly skilled foreign-born workers, including Indians, in the US, have lost their jobs due to recent layoffs at companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.
Taking to social media platforms, in a series of tweets, the USCIS has shared some of the important points that one must keep in mind while applying for temporary visas.
#USCISAnswers: Many people have asked if they can look for a new job while in B-1 or B-2 status. The answer is, yes. Searching for employment and interviewing for a position are permissible B-1 or B-2 activities.
Learn more: https://t.co/zFEneq28L9⬇️— USCIS (@USCIS) March 22, 2023
During this time, foreign nationals can apply to alter their non-immigrant status, adjust their application, and even request an employment authorization document due to extraordinary circumstances. They may also be the beneficiary of a petition to change employer.
“Many people have asked if they can look for a new job while in B-1 or B-2 status. The answer is, yes. Searching for employment and interviewing for a position are permissible B-1 or B-2 activities,” the USCIS added.
“Alternatively, if the change of status request is denied or the petition for new employment requested consular or port of entry notification, the individual must depart the US and be admitted in an employment-authorized classification before beginning the new employment,” the USCIS further said.
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