15 days
Bridged after a layoff before the start date
Last-Minute Employer Change
Background
G was laid off by the original employer before the H-1B took effect, putting the lottery selection at risk of going to waste.
Challenges
An H-1B must be activated to remain valid. Because the layoff came before the start date, the time window was extremely tight.
Strategy
We quickly found a "bridge employer" in the market and moved as fast as possible with premium processing. After half a month on the bridge employer's payroll, G moved straight on to the next company.
Outcome
Approved smoothly within 15 days with no RFE (filed 9/20 · approved 9/26, 2025).