(Image source from: Nytimes.com)
Another wave of job cuts has affected Meta, and this time, the consequences reach beyond just office locations and company charts. Many employees received an email in the morning, telling them their positions had been removed as the firm focuses more on its future with artificial intelligence. However, within the official layoff announcement was a part that particularly caught the attention of foreign workers on H-1B visas — a brief note recognizing the anxiety and uncertainty many of them are experiencing now. As reported by Business Insider, the workers got the email around 4 AM on Wednesday. The communication informed them that their jobs had been cut as a part of Meta’s latest restructuring process. The reports indicate that nearly 8,000 jobs have been eliminated, which is about 10 percent of the workforce, while many employees have also been moved to teams focused on AI.
The email reportedly instructed employees who were in the offices to gather their personal items and go home. It also stated that their access badges and internal systems would soon be turned off, and that those affected would then be directed to Meta’s Alumni Portal for information about severance, benefits, and job support. Meta portrayed the layoffs as a move to work more effectively while continuing to invest heavily in AI. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been pushing AI as a key aspect of the company's plans for the future, with reports suggesting that Meta could invest over $100 billion in AI-related projects this year. Although the memo is quite long, one part specifically mentioned employees whose work permits and visas are linked to Meta. The company stated, "We understand this is particularly tough for those whose visas and work authorization are sponsored by Meta. " It also noted that affected employees could use the Alumni Portal to get more information.
"The Alumni Portal provides general immigration information to help answer your immediate questions. This guidance also includes contact details for your assigned law firm. You can also create a case through the Alumni Portal if you have specific queries about your case," the memo further noted. Meta essentially informs employees who have work visas that losing their jobs could also affect their immigration status since their visa sponsorship relies on the company. The firm indicated that impacted workers can utilize the Alumni Portal for immigration information, connect with assigned law firms, and ask questions related to their visa situations. However, there is no indication of any external support the company would offer regarding extending their stays, which would allow them additional time to secure new employment. According to U. S. immigration regulations, H-1B workers who lose their jobs typically have only 60 days to find another employer willing to sponsor them. If they cannot find a new position during this time, they might have to leave the country.
The current situation is becoming increasingly tense as job cuts persist in the technology sector. Information from Layoffs. fyi indicates that over 110,000 employees from 144 tech firms have lost their jobs in 2026 up to now. Analysts who observe immigration patterns believe that a significant number of these workers probably hold H-1B visas, with many Indian workers expected to be particularly impacted. Indian citizens still make up a large portion of those using the H-1B program in the United States. According to data shared by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year 2025, Indians received 283,772 approvals from a total of 406,348 H-1B applications. Many of those who are affected are reportedly trying to switch to B-2 visitor visas temporarily, allowing them to remain in the US longer while they look for new employment. Nonetheless, immigration lawyers told ET that it is getting more difficult to obtain these approvals as government agencies are increasingly requesting additional paperwork and issuing more rejections. The emotional strain is intensifying since many Indian professionals have invested years establishing their lives in the US. A report from ET mentioned that some individuals are still awaiting green cards that are stuck in long waitlists, while others have children attending school there, mortgages to pay, and families settled in the area.
As job cuts continue at firms like Amazon, Oracle, and Meta, numerous employees are now reportedly considering backup plans in Canada and Europe. Others are exploring different visa options such as F-1 student visas, O-1 visas, and visas for intra-company transfers. People are reportedly looking to relocate to Canada using programs like Express Entry and the Global Talent Stream.
