Article written by Emily Stewart, Community Manager (Centuro Global)

2022-11-23

Around the world, many employees have found themselves impacted by recent layoffs. Following a backlash across news outlets about how the change has made many people vulnerable, some companies are reconsidering their duty of care and have offered to help with immigration assistance to employees working in the location under a work permit or visa. In most cases, individuals are granted a certain grace period, in which they are permitted to stay in the country for a certain timeframe before their immigration status changes. This grace period typically provides those impacted to find another job, or figure out their next move. However, in most cases, the reality is that many employees find themselves in the difficult position of needing to determine their immigration status and consider the next steps. We recommend speaking to an immigration expert for professional advice.

Country Expectations

Layoffs in the USA

The immigration system in the USA is one of the most complicated in the world. Whilst most categories have caps on the annual approved applications per year, other categories, such as the H1-B and the Diversity Visa (green card), are also based on a lottery system. Coupled with long wait times for appointments and complex processes to switch visa types, the question of how to stay in the US after a layoff might be a priority for some, though it’s not a new problem. Whilst some organisations determine what degree of support they will offer recently laid-off staff in the US, immigration experts have taken to forums to provide details to outline possible extensions to the standard 60-day grace period and outline other routes, including routes to long-term settlement.

Canada’s approach to layoffs

Similarly, layoffs for many of these companies have also had an impact on employees in Canada, with more than 3,500 people recorded as being made redundant since March 2022.  Advice on how to navigate immigration challenges ranges from temporarily transferring to a study permit to establishing a business to obtain a work permit.

Europe and layoffs

For those impacted by the layoffs within Europe, it’s worth noting that EU Blue card holders have a 3-month grace period to find a new role or risk having their EU Blue Card withdrawn. However, recent changes to the EU Blue Card process mean that changing employers or relocating to another EU member state is more accessible for some candidates. Highly skilled workers are now able to change employers and location under their EU Blue Card if they have been in the country for one year in some cases and up to 2 years in other cases. However, for those who recently received a blue card or are in one of the member states under a different permit type, the process may be more complicated and risky.

Conclusion

In the global mobility industry, providing immigration and tax assistance after the termination of any kind has long been considered best practice to ensure compliance for the organisation as well as support employees. Across the world, there are a number of options available to help re-settle employees after a lay-off and to ensure adherence with local legislation.

Centuro Global can help provide advice on what visa options may be available to you depending on your current location and can also help in your application once you have figured out your next step. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any assistance.