went through this in 2024. writing it up because when i was googling at 11pm after getting the news, i couldn't find a single coherent timeline. here's mine.
day 0: the layoff clock starts on your last day of authorized employment. not when you received notice, not when your laptop was wiped. when your employment actually ends.
days 1-7: immediate actions confirm with HR in writing what your last employment date is. get it in an email, not verbal. do NOT immediately file for UI if you plan to pursue new H-1B sponsorship. UI is technically income and some attorneys flag it as complicating your status (this is debated, talk to YOUR attorney) start reaching out to your network the same week. the 60 days goes faster than you think find an immigration attorney NOW, not week 3. initial consults are usually $150-300 and will clarify your specific options
the options i evaluated: new H-1B sponsorship (traditional): new employer files an H-1B transfer. you can start working as soon as the receipt notice arrives if you've had H-1B status for at least a year continuously H-4 EAD: if your spouse has H-1B and an approved i-140, you may be eligible. processing times vary COS to F-1 or B-2: pauses the clock but creates other constraints O-1A: harder to get but not impossible for senior technical roles with publications or patents
what actually worked for me: i had a recruiter reach out on day 4. got an offer by day 38. the H-1B transfer was filed while i was still in the grace period. got the receipt by day 52. started working day 53.
the margin was uncomfortable. i would tell anyone in this situation: apply everywhere even if it feels scattershot. you can be selective after you have a receipt in hand. not before.
one thing i did not know until my attorney told me: if your new employer files a new H-1B petition (not a transfer) it would have to go through lottery again. make sure your situation is set up as a TRANSFER of existing status, not a new cap-subject petition. that question matters enormously.