Ending Your Status & Departing the U.S.

H-1B status is granted through the end date indicated on the I-94 arrival/departure record.

In all cases, however, actual status ends when the employer/employee relationship ends unless a grace period is granted. For example, if an H-1B employee is separated from employment three months prior to the end date of the authorized stay as indicated on the I-797 H-1B approval notice, then the H-1B status ends on that date, except for any grace period. Regulations grant either a 60-day grace period or up to the end of the authorized petition validity period--whichever is shorter--for those employees who experience a "cessation of the employment" on which the H classification (or TN, E, L, O) was based. This grace period is not automatic but granted at the discretion of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Always inform the International Faculty & Scholars Office when ending your appointment at UC San Diego by completing an H-1B Early Departure Request through ISD, as our office is required to notify the appropriate government agencies of your departure.  Please contact us if you have questions about your status ending.