The H-1B rules require notice to the USCIS upon termination along with other steps to effect a legally sufficient termination.
If foreign worker will be laid off for a period of time, regulations require that they continue to be paid pursuant to the terms of the H-1B visa petition.
Benching is not permitted.
Filing an amended H-1B visa petition is an option to keep the employee in a part-time capacity.
It is advisable to provide foreign workers who will be laid off as much advance notice as possible.
Foreign workers can then take steps to obtain another visa status, allowing them to remain legally in the U.S. without having to spend time out of status or leaving the U.S.
At the time of termination, the employee may be considered to be out of status.
Related Links:
H1B Visa Cap / Quota
H-1B Visa Overview
H-1B Visa Renewal / Extension
H-1B Visa Transfer
Amended H-1B Visa
New H-1B Visa, Cap Exempt
H-1B Visa for Entrepreneurs
H-1B Visa for Teachers
H-1B Visa Attorney Fee
H-1B Visa Complete Do it Yourself Kit