{"id":2937,"date":"2026-08-31T13:23:58","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T13:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship\/"},"modified":"2026-08-31T15:16:44","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T15:16:44","slug":"what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship\/","title":{"rendered":"What Happens If an Employer Withdraws H-1B Sponsorship?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_87 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Sfogliare i contenuti<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship\/#Key_Takeaways\" >Punti di forza<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship\/#What_This_Guide_Covers\" >Argomenti trattati in questa guida<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship\/#The_60-Day_Grace_Period_Explained\" >The 60-Day Grace Period Explained<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship\/#What_the_Employer_Must_Do\" >What the Employer Must Do<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship\/#Employee_Options_During_the_Grace_Period\" >Employee Options During the Grace Period<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship\/#Using_H-1B_Portability_to_Switch_Employers\" >Using H-1B Portability to Switch Employers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship\/#The_Return_Transportation_Obligation\" >The Return Transportation Obligation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship\/#Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid\" >Errori comuni da evitare<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Domande frequenti<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship\/#Can_I_keep_working_during_the_60-day_H-1B_grace_period\" >Can I keep working during the 60-day H-1B grace period?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship\/#What_if_my_H-1B_validity_period_ends_in_less_than_60_days\" >What if my H-1B validity period ends in less than 60 days?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship\/#Does_the_employer_have_to_pay_for_my_flight_home_if_I_am_laid_off\" >Does the employer have to pay for my flight home if I am laid off?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship\/#How_many_times_can_I_use_the_H-1B_grace_period\" >How many times can I use the H-1B grace period?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship\/#Bottom_Line\" >Conclusione<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship\/#Sources\" >Fonti<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/what-happens-employer-withdraws-h1b-sponsorship\/#Related_Articles\" >Articoli correlati<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><strong>When an employer withdraws H-1B sponsorship, most employees get a 60-day grace period under 8 CFR 214.1(l)(2), or until the end of their authorized validity period if that is shorter, to find a new sponsoring employer, change to another status, or leave the United States.<\/strong> The former employer is also required to notify USCIS of the withdrawal and, under INA 214(c)(5), may be obligated to pay for the employee&#8217;s return transportation home if the employee is dismissed before the end of the authorized period.<\/p>\n<p>This guide explains what happens on both sides when H-1B sponsorship ends. For a look at options if you are searching for a new sponsor, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/how-can-i-get-a-u-s-work-visa\/\">how to get a U.S. work visa<\/a>.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Lost your H-1B sponsorship and need a plan fast? Atlas Legal can review your timeline and options within the 60-day grace period. <a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/contatto\/\">Fissa un appuntamento<\/a> con il nostro team.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2 id=\"takeaways\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways\"><\/span>Punti di forza<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Most H-1B employees get a 60-day grace period, or until the end of their authorized validity period if shorter, after sponsorship ends.<\/li>\n<li>The employer must notify USCIS of the withdrawal; failing to do so does not extend the employee&#8217;s status.<\/li>\n<li>Under INA 214(c)(5), an employer that dismisses an H-1B worker before the end of the authorized period may be responsible for the employee&#8217;s return transportation costs.<\/li>\n<li>During the grace period, the employee can find a new sponsoring employer and use H-1B portability, apply to change status, or depart the U.S.<\/li>\n<li>The grace period generally cannot be used more than once per authorized validity period.<\/li>\n<li>Work authorization ends when sponsorship is withdrawn; the employee should stop working for that employer immediately unless a new valid basis for employment exists.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"toc\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_This_Guide_Covers\"><\/span>Argomenti trattati in questa guida<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#grace\">The 60-day grace period explained<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#employer\">What the employer must do<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#options\">Employee options during the grace period<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#portability\">Using H-1B portability to switch employers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#transport\">The return transportation obligation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#mistakes\">Errori comuni da evitare<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">Domande frequenti<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"grace\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_60-Day_Grace_Period_Explained\"><\/span>The 60-Day Grace Period Explained<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Under 8 CFR 214.1(l)(2), most H-1B employees whose employment ends receive a one-time grace period of up to 60 consecutive days, or until the end of their authorized I-94 validity period, whichever is shorter, during a single authorized stay. During this window, the employee remains in a period of authorized stay but cannot work unless and until a new valid basis for employment is established.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"employer\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_the_Employer_Must_Do\"><\/span>What the Employer Must Do<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The sponsoring employer is required to notify USCIS that the employment relationship has ended, generally by withdrawing the petition. This notification does not need the employee&#8217;s consent and should happen promptly once the decision is made. The employer&#8217;s failure to formally withdraw the petition does not by itself extend the employee&#8217;s authorized work status once employment actually ends.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"options\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Employee_Options_During_the_Grace_Period\"><\/span>Employee Options During the Grace Period<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<th>Option<\/th>\n<th>What It Involves<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Find a new H-1B sponsor<\/td>\n<td>A new employer files an H-1B petition; portability can allow work to begin once filed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Change to another status<\/td>\n<td>File to change to a category like H-4, F-1, B-2, or another applicable status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Depart the United States<\/td>\n<td>Leave before the grace period ends to avoid accruing unlawful presence<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"portability\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Using_H-1B_Portability_to_Switch_Employers\"><\/span>Using H-1B Portability to Switch Employers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If a new employer files a non-frivolous H-1B petition on the employee&#8217;s behalf before the grace period ends, H-1B portability rules generally allow the employee to begin working for the new employer once that petition is filed, without waiting for USCIS approval. This makes the grace period especially useful for employees who can line up a new sponsor quickly.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"transport\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Return_Transportation_Obligation\"><\/span>The Return Transportation Obligation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Under INA 214(c)(5), if an H-1B employer dismisses the worker before the end of the period of authorized employment, the employer may be liable for the reasonable cost of the employee&#8217;s transportation home. This obligation applies specifically to a dismissal by the employer before the authorized period ends, not to a resignation by the employee or the natural expiration of the authorized period.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mistakes\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid\"><\/span>Errori comuni da evitare<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Employees sometimes continue working past the actual end of employment, mistakenly assuming the grace period allows continued work, when it only allows a period of authorized stay without work authorization unless a new basis is established. Others wait too long to start the new-employer or change-of-status process, leaving too little time to complete filings within the 60-day window. Track the exact end date of employment carefully, since the grace period clock starts there, not when the employer formally notifies USCIS.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faq\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Domande frequenti<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_keep_working_during_the_60-day_H-1B_grace_period\"><\/span>Can I keep working during the 60-day H-1B grace period?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No, not for the employer that ended your sponsorship. You are in a period of authorized stay, not authorized employment, unless a new valid basis for work, such as a newly filed portable H-1B petition, is established.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_if_my_H-1B_validity_period_ends_in_less_than_60_days\"><\/span>What if my H-1B validity period ends in less than 60 days?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The grace period runs only until the end of your authorized validity period if that is shorter than 60 days, so you would have less time than the full 60 days to find a new sponsor, change status, or depart.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_the_employer_have_to_pay_for_my_flight_home_if_I_am_laid_off\"><\/span>Does the employer have to pay for my flight home if I am laid off?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Under INA 214(c)(5), an employer that dismisses an H-1B worker before the end of the authorized period may be responsible for reasonable return transportation costs, but this generally does not apply if the employee resigns voluntarily.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_times_can_I_use_the_H-1B_grace_period\"><\/span>How many times can I use the H-1B grace period?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Generally only once per authorized validity period. If your employment ends again during a later authorized period, a new grace period may become available for that period.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"conclusion\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bottom_Line\"><\/span>Conclusione<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Losing H-1B sponsorship starts a 60-day clock, not an emergency with no options. Move quickly to line up a new sponsor, change status, or plan your departure, and confirm your exact grace period end date rather than assuming you have the full 60 days.<\/p>\n<p>Atlas Legal Immigration Law helps H-1B employees act quickly within the grace period. Reach our team at <strong>1750 E Golf Rd, Ufficio 214, Schaumburg, IL 60173<\/strong>, per telefono a <strong>(+1) 872 382 2762<\/strong>, oppure tramite e-mail all&#039;indirizzo <strong>info@theatlaslegal.com<\/strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/contatto\/\">Fissa un appuntamento<\/a> to review your options.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><em>Revisionato dal team editoriale di Atlas Legal specializzato in diritto dell&#039;immigrazione. Ultimo aggiornamento: 31 agosto 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sources\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sources\"><\/span>Fonti<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Servizi per la cittadinanza e l'immigrazione degli Stati Uniti, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/working-in-the-united-states\/temporary-workers\/h-1b-specialty-occupations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">H-1B Specialty Occupations<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Codice elettronico dei regolamenti federali, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecfr.gov\/current\/title-8\/chapter-I\/subchapter-B\/part-214\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">8 CFR Part 214<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Il presente articolo \u00e8 fornito esclusivamente a scopo informativo generale e non costituisce una consulenza legale. Le leggi in materia di immigrazione, le tariffe governative, le politiche e i tempi di elaborazione delle pratiche possono subire variazioni. La lettura del presente articolo o il contatto con Atlas Legal non determinano di per s\u00e9 l\u2019instaurazione di un rapporto avvocato-cliente. L\u2019esito di qualsiasi questione in materia di immigrazione dipende dai fatti e dalle circostanze specifiche del singolo caso.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"related\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Articles\"><\/span>Articoli correlati<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/h1b-sponsorship-employers-costs-timeline\/\">Sponsorizzazione del visto H-1B per i datori di lavoro: costi, tempistiche e obblighi<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/how-can-i-get-a-u-s-work-visa\/\">Come posso ottenere un visto di lavoro per gli Stati Uniti? H-1B, L-1, O-1 e le opzioni a tua disposizione<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/l1-visa-vs-h1b-which-work-visa\/\">Visto L-1 o visto H-1B: quale visto di lavoro \u00e8 pi\u00f9 adatto alla tua situazione?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Losing H-1B sponsorship triggers a 60-day grace period to find a new sponsor, change status, or depart. Learn your options and the employer&#8217;s obligations.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":2964,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[1338,1582,1585,1583,625,1584,1581],"class_list":["post-2937","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-employment-visas","tag-employment-immigration-lawyer","tag-h-1b-60-day-grace-period","tag-h-1b-employee-rights","tag-h-1b-layoff-options","tag-h-1b-portability","tag-h-1b-return-transportation","tag-h-1b-sponsorship-withdrawn"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2937","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2937"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2937\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2965,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2937\/revisions\/2965"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2964"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2937"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2937"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2937"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}