January 27, 2023

An effort has begun in Chicago to help laid-off H-1B visa holders find new employment in that city. It opened a job portal at https://gotechchicago.com/h1b/ that lists job openings from Chicago employers.

The effort was announced Jan. 25. It is being spearheaded by World Business Chicago, the city’s economic development agency, and P33, a nonprofit focused on driving inclusive, global tech and innovation leadership in Chicago.

Companies with jobs on the site include Morningstar, Fifth Third Bank and TransUnion. There are more than 35 Chicago-based employers on the site.

“Our message to laid-off H-1B holders is to consider the ever-welcoming city of Chicago and our burgeoning technology ecosystem that fosters diversity and inclusion,” said Brad Henderson, CEO of P33.

The groups noted laid-off H-1B workers have 60 days to pinpoint a new employer willing to transfer and to sponsor their visas, the organizations said. If the H-1B visa holders don’t find a new job, they must switch their visas status or leave the US.

“I am thrilled with the launch of this campaign, which brings together Chicago’s business community to support H1-B visa holders affected by job loss in tech and adjacent industries,” said Michael Fassnacht, CEO and president, World Business Chicago and chief marketing officer, city of Chicago.