Canadian Citizen on H1-B Laid Off - What should I do?

myimmiuser

New Member
Hello,

I am a Canadian Citizen working here in US on H1-B and laid off recently. I would like to know -

1) How many days do I have before I have to leave a country?
2) Do I have an advantage being a Canadian Citizen? Can I live here for 6 months at the max and continue with my job search?
3) Do I have to file for change of status?

Basically, I am totally confused at this point since I am hearing different stories and everyone is giving me different information.:confused:

Your help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks/
 
Hello,

I am a Canadian Citizen working here in US on H1-B and laid off recently. I would like to know -

1) How many days do I have before I have to leave a country?

-- Leave ASAP - within 2 to 4 weeks.

2) Do I have an advantage being a Canadian Citizen? Can I live here for 6 months at the max and continue with my job search?

-- No, you do not have any advantage as a cdn. Your status ends with your job.

3) Do I have to file for change of status?

-- Yes, you could do that, but do it as soon as you lose your job. It will be of no use to file the COS a couple of months after losing your job.
 
Can't he live in US a tourist? Since Canadians dont need Visa to stay in US as long as they dont work. Maybe all he needs to do is drive to Canada and re-enter as a tourist and stay for 6 months.
 
Can't he live in US a tourist? Since Canadians dont need Visa to stay in US as long as they dont work. Maybe all he needs to do is drive to Canada and re-enter as a tourist and stay for 6 months.

That's what I said in my answer no. 3. To clarify: He cannot just remain in the US as a tourist when he loses his job. The change of status is not automatic. you have to actually file for it.

He has to either file for the change of status (to visitor) formally, or leave the country and re-enter as a tourist.
 
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