Losing a job in the US while on an H-1B visa can be particularly stressful due to strict immigration rules. A Reddit user recently shared a detailed checklist to help fellow workers manage the difficult 60-day grace period, covering immigration, finances, healthcare and relocation back to India.
A Checklist for Survival
The post highlighted that H-1B visa holders must act quickly to protect their immigration status. “Immigration – You have 60 days to transfer H-1B, switch visa, or leave. Miss it, and future U.S. chances get messy,” the checklist read.
It also advised financial preparedness: “Money – Keep 3–6 months savings. Don’t close all U.S. credit cards (you’ll need the credit history).” The post added guidance on investments, healthcare, and moving logistics: “Investments – 401k, RSUs, brokerage, property → each has tax rules & deadlines. Plan before leaving. Healthcare – Job insurance ends with the job. Look at COBRA/short-term plans. Set up India insurance for family. Moving back – When in India: file U.S. return, update W-8BEN, open RFC account to hold USD.”
He further added, “Not perfect, but this covers the main pain points most people miss.”
Reddit Reacts to the Harsh Realities
The post sparked a wave of responses, with many sharing their own frustrations and advice. One user wrote, “Antarctica might still be better than Bangalore and Delhi. Have you seen the state of affairs in these so-called metro cities?”
Another added, “See the other side of the coin. Immigration to the USA is getting extremely tough. Your whole life and mobility will be on hold for a visa. Is putting your life on hold for 10-plus years worth it? Because it’s going to be 10–15 years for a green card.”
A third user tried to offer reassurance: “Nice advice. A few points to make this a bit easier: Investments — no immediate action required. Most actions can be done online later, so don’t stress out. A 401k can be converted to an IRA if you want to continue. Check if your brokerage and bank account allow continuation from India. Real estate depends on your future plan. I would not encourage an RFC account, as most banks offering zero-balance accounts from the USA will do the job.”
A fourth shared a personal account of difficulties after returning home: “I got laid off last year in July, tried to find a job there until February of this year, and returned back in March without following any of the steps. How do I open that bank account, or what can I do now?”
The thread reflects both the immediate challenges and long-term uncertainties faced by H-1B workers, balancing the struggle of U.S. immigration with the realities of moving back to India.
Disclaimer: This story is based on a post shared by a Reddit User. The details, opinions, and statements quoted herein belong solely to the original poster and do not reflect the views of Financialexpress.com. We have not independently verified the claims.