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US tech giants boost H-1B usage as Indian firms shift focus
This shift reflects a strategic evolution among Indian IT companies, which are now investing heavily in local talent and offering Green Card sponsorships to seasoned professionals in the US.
Stock image. / Pexels
Leading American companies, including Amazon, Meta, Google, and Microsoft, have significantly increased their reliance on H-1B visa holders, while Indian IT giants have adopted an opposite approach, reducing their dependency on these visas.
An Economic Times analysis reveals that since 2016, US tech firms’ H-1B usage has soared by 189 percent, with Amazon leading at an astounding 478 percent increase, followed by Meta (244 percent) and Google (137 percent). Meanwhile, Indian IT heavyweights like TCS, Wipro, Infosys, and HCL have collectively cut their use of H-1B visas by 56 percent.
This shift reflects a strategic evolution among Indian IT companies, which are now investing heavily in local talent and offering Green Card sponsorships to seasoned professionals in the US. As the firms mature in the American market, they prioritize sustainable operations within the country. “US companies must rely on H-1B visas to fill roles with skills not easily found domestically, especially in emerging tech,” says Vic Goel, managing partner at corporate immigration law firm Goel & Anderson, highlighting the intense competition for specialized expertise in areas such as digital transformation, cloud computing, and AI.
However, the recent election of President Donald Trump, known for his stringent immigration policies, has reignited concerns over potential challenges for H-1B and H-4 visa holders (spouses of H-1B recipients). Trump’s administration may introduce changes to the Immigration and Nationality Act, potentially including country-specific quotas, which some experts believe could favor India due to its robust diplomatic relations with the US. Russell A. Stamets, partner at Delhi-based Circle of Counsels, advises Indian firms with substantial US operations to proactively adapt to American policy shifts to “positively influence their outcomes.”
The anticipated policy adjustments could also lead to escalating costs for foreign talent. Higher visa fees and elevated wage requirements for H-1B roles are expected to strain employers further. During Trump’s previous tenure, H-1B visa applications faced unprecedented scrutiny, with 34 percent requiring additional documentation. This trend generated considerable anxiety for visa holders and their families, especially as H-4 visa holders faced the threat of losing work eligibility.
Amid these challenges, India’s tech sector remains committed to nurturing a robust talent pipeline in the US. Through industry body Nasscom, Indian firms have invested $1.1 billion in STEM initiatives, partnering with over 130 US colleges and universities and upskilling approximately 255,000 employees. This investment has generated more than 600,000 jobs across the US, demonstrating India’s strategic dedication to the American tech ecosystem, even as visa policies evolve.
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