layoffs realted H1B and GC query

[BCISsux]

Hi,

I am on an H1B visa with green card in process. I140 has been approved and I am waiting for my Priority date (Mar09) to become current.

The company I work for has been bought out by another and the possiblity of lay offs is quite real. If I loose this job how long do I have to find a new one and how long do I get to stay in the US before I have to leave. My I797 and visa are valid till September 2011.

Thanks

Regards

[Joe.F]

There is NO grace period for the H1 if you are laid off. To stay legal, it is best to immediately file a COS, e.g., to B2.

If you wish to return back to your home country, the employer by law has to pay for your return flight (not for dependents, though.)