A few years ago when there were a lot of layoffs at big tech, USCIS published guidance on the options for those who lost their jobs. This guidance just validated what attorneys were advising anyway but it was reassuring. Whether USCIS will stick with this guidance is another question. But the main advice was to file an application to change status to B-2 or B-1 (if the terminated worker couldn't join his or her spouse's visa as a dependent). If the terminated worker was in H-1B status and filed such an application, then he or she would not have to go back into the lottery after finding a new employer. Because of the backlogs in most green card categories, a green card filing as a solution isn't a solution anymore.