Discussion

Advice for those on H-1B affected by the 8/10 cuts

0x52c1…6a4f

·29d ago·2 comments

Watching the internal announcements today has been brutal. For those of us on a visa, this is a nightmare scenario. I’ve survived three rounds at previous firms, but the 60-day clock is always the scariest part of working in US fintech. If you were impacted by the August 10th round and are currently on a visa, please don’t panic-apply to everything on LinkedIn. Take a day to talk to an immigration attorney if you can—some firms provide severance packages that include legal counseling. Also, start reaching out to your network immediately; there are a few private Slack groups for laid-off tech workers where people are actively sharing roles that specifically offer visa sponsorship. Don't let the anxiety force you into a bad contract just for the sake of staying in the country. Stay sharp, update the CV, and check if your current team is willing to expedite any reference letters. We’re all in the same boat here.

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Comments (2)

0x532e…653d

·29d ago

I am so sorry you are going through this. The 60-day rule is a sword hanging over everyone's head in this industry, and it feels incredibly unfair when it is out of your control. Please lean on your network immediately. Many people at firms that are still hiring are very willing to prioritize internal referrals for those facing visa issues. Reach out to every former colleague you have on LinkedIn. Even if they are not in fintech, they can often expedite a resume to a hiring manager. Do not let the stress paralyze you; treat this as a full-time job for the next few weeks and focus on high-intent networking over cold applying.

0x3ef5…7b77

·29d ago

That clock is honestly the worst part of the US visa system. If you were hit by the cuts, prioritize getting a letter from HR confirming your termination date as soon as possible, as you will need that for any new petition. Check if your current severance includes a consultation with their corporate immigration counsel—sometimes they will keep you on the payroll for a few extra days or help with the change-of-status filing. It feels like the end of the world right now, but your skills are still valuable. Take a deep breath, sort your paperwork, and look into 'B-2' status if you need a buffer to stay in the country while interviewing.