Sign in

Indian man on H-1B laid off while visiting India, seeks urgent advice on flying back to US

An Indian man sought advice on Reddit after being laid off while in India, asking if he could travel back to the US on an H-1B visa.

Published on: Jan 08, 2026 2:01 PM IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

An Indian man’s Reddit post about travelling back to the United States after being laid off while on an H 1B visa has sparked a detailed online discussion.

An Indian man’s Reddit post on returning to the US after a layoff sparked mixed reactions. (Representational image/Gemini AI generated)
An Indian man’s Reddit post on returning to the US after a layoff sparked mixed reactions. (Representational image/Gemini AI generated)

Post raises urgent visa concern

The user took to Reddit to explain his situation, writing, “Hello everyone, I recently found out that I was laid off from my company. I’m currently on an H 1B with an approved I 140, and at the moment I am in India. Is it possible for me to travel back to the US within the next day or two? I’ve heard that it can take a few days for an H 1B to be formally revoked, but I’m not sure how accurate that information is. If anyone has gone through a similar situation or has insights into this process, I would really appreciate your guidance. Thank you in advance for any help.”

Take a look here at the post:

The post, titled “can I travel to US after getting laid off in India?”, quickly drew attention from users familiar with the complexities and risks associated with US work visas.

Mixed reactions from users

Several commenters cautioned against attempting to enter the US after losing employment. One user stated, “Legally speaking, you shouldn’t travel to the US on H 1B when you are not employed.”

Another commenter offered a more nuanced perspective, saying, “If you enter for the purpose of disposing off the existing property in US and orderly disbanding, it is understandable. You may even be able to argue that a court. It may never come to that.”

Some responses focused on the commonly discussed grace period available to H 1B holders. One user wrote, “Practically, you can enter as there is 60 or 30 day window for you to either find a new job or start packing up for permanent departure.

However, others shared cautionary personal experiences. One commenter said, “I tried this and got rejected.”

Another warned of serious consequences, writing, “I think they can and probably will, considering the current situation, revoke your H 1B for misrepresentation after you have entered since you did intentionally enter after getting fired.

(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)

  • Mahipal Singh Chouhan
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Mahipal Singh Chouhan

    Mahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. His work primarily focuses on offbeat and trending stories that reflect everyday experiences and evolving conversations on the internet. He has consistently worked on transforming viral content and human interest stories into structured news pieces that engage readers while maintaining editorial clarity. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal contributes to identifying and developing stories emerging from social media trends, online communities, and real-world incidents that capture public attention. His approach involves adding context and journalistic perspective to fast-moving digital narratives, helping present viral moments in a clear and reader-friendly format suited for digital audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling practices. Mahipal holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. He is particularly interested in tracking emerging trends and understanding how online conversations evolve into broader public discussions. His work reflects a focus on accuracy, readability, and relevance in the rapidly changing digital news environment. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mahipal takes an interest in history and sports and regularly works on improving his general knowledge, which complements his curiosity as a media professional.Read More