One In Six Indian H-1B Visa Holders See Deportation Notice After Lay-Off

One in six Indian H-1B visa holders or someone they know has been served a deportation notice (Notice to Appear, NTA) within the 60-day grace period after being laid off from a job.

Risk Of Permanent Ban

According to a poll of 1,584 participants posted on August 6, 2025, on BLIND, these H-1B visa holders face the risk of a permanent ban from the U.S. BLIND is an anonymous community app for verified professionals.

BLIND Survey

BLIND surveyed its platform between July 28 and August 8, 2025. A total of 2,089 verified Indian professionals currently working in the U.S. on work visas, such as H-1B or L1, participated in the survey.

"Out Of Status"

According to The Financial Express, in the US, laid-off H1-B workers are granted a 60-day grace period to secure a new employer or change their visa status. Reports say that since mid-2025, NTAs have been issued well before the grace period ends. In some cases, this happens within just two weeks, and deemed "out of status."

US Permanent Ban

“Multiple cases where NTAs were sent in 2 weeks,” a Meta user wrote on Blind. “Immigration lawyers now advise leaving as soon as possible after the job ends, otherwise you risk a permanent ban from the US.”

Uncertainty Among Indian Professionals

According to data, indian professionals on H-1B visas are increasingly considering leaving the U.S. and returning to India. According to The Financial Express, this growing uncertainty is reshaping long-term plans. In another BLIND survey, 45% of Indian professionals on U.S. work visas said they would consider returning to India if they lost their job and had to leave the country. 26% would relocate to another country, and 29% remained undecided.

What Were The Biggest Fears That Held Back Indians?

The biggest fears holding them back from leaving the U.S. were a significant pay cut (25%), lower quality of life (24%), cultural or family adjustment (13%) and fewer job opportunities (10%). When asked if they would choose a U.S. work visa again, only 35% said “yes.” The remaining 65% were either unsure (27%) or outright negative (38%), reflecting a shift in sentiment about the long-term value of U.S. immigration.