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Published: Fri, Sep 18, 2026·1 min read

DHS Proposes Eliminating 60-Day Grace Period for Nonimmigrant Workers

⚡Executive Briefing & Staffing Impact
via visalawyerblog.com

The big picture: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially published a proposed rule to eliminate the 60-day grace period currently available to certain nonimmigrant workers after their employment ends. This move significantly shortens the window for these individuals to adjust their immigration status or find new employment.

Why it matters: This change will directly impact employers' ability to retain and transition foreign talent, increasing compliance pressure and potential talent loss for companies relying on nonimmigrant workers.

Between the lines:

  • The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was published in the Federal Register.
  • It targets specific nonimmigrant visa categories.
  • The rule removes the current 60-day window for workers to find new employment or change visa status without violating their terms of stay.

Staffing & HR impact: Staffing firms and HR departments will face immediate challenges in managing visa transfers and preventing talent gaps, requiring faster action on status adjustments. This could increase recruiter workload and compliance risks related to worker status.

The bottom line: Employers must proactively plan for rapid immigration status changes to avoid disruptions and ensure compliance.

🏢Entities Mentioned
DHS
🔗Verified Source
visalawyerblog.com
Original Dispatch
Published: Fri, Sep 18, 2026
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DHS Proposes Eliminating 60-Day Grace Period for Nonimmigrant Workers — The Wire