Vault Guardian renewal education
What happens if your work visa expires?
Work visas tie your legal status to a specific employer and expiration date. When either changes, the clock starts immediately, and the timelines are unforgiving.
Work visas tie your legal status to a specific employer and expiration date. When either changes, the clock starts immediately, and the timelines are unforgiving.
The 60-day grace period is short
H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, E, and P visa holders get a one-time 60-day grace period after employment ends or status expires. During this window you must either transfer status, find a new sponsor, or leave the country.
Your right to work ends immediately on expiration
Unlike some statuses, work visas don't auto-extend on filing (except in specific H-1B extension scenarios). Working past expiration is unauthorized employment — grounds for future denials.
Overstaying triggers the same bans as tourist visas
180+ days = 3-year ban. 365+ days = 10-year ban. These apply to work visa holders equally.
Dependents (H-4, L-2) lose status too
Your spouse and children's status is tied to yours. When your visa expires or is terminated, theirs typically ends on the same date — including any EAD work authorization.
Start extension or transfer paperwork at least 6 months before expiration. VaultGuardian tracks the exact date and sends escalating reminders — critical when the 60-day clock is this consequential.
Download Vault Guardian to track renewals at 90, 60, and 30 days.