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May 26, 2026
Got laid off 2 weeks after receiving green card (EB2-NIW through employer) — any risk?
I received my green card through EB2-NIW, with my employer as petitioner and myself as beneficiary (not common but this was the standard at my big tech company). My I-140 case relied on my job description to prove my merits, although employment is technically not a requirement for NIW.
Two weeks after approval, I was laid off as part of a mass restructuring. I have no immediate plans to pursue citizenship. A couple of questions:
1. Is there any risk of my green card being revoked? One attorney I consulted said it’s recommended to stay at your employer for at least 6 months after approval, but advice from different attorneys has been inconsistent. Does this mean I need to find a similar occupation right away to protect my status? If so, how soon — and how long before I can safely change to a different field?
2. Can I travel internationally right away? My card was approved 5/2 and I was laid off 5/20. Can I travel to my home country and stay for, say, up to 6 months without issues?
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Marina LazarevaMay 26, 2026
I think you’re completely safe!
f cMay 26, 2026
it’s NIW , you’re completely safe because you don’t necessarily need an employer to advance your career
🤗 😇May 31, 2026
Layoff shouldn’t affect your EB2-NIW status as it itself means your work is of national interest to US with or without employer.
