H-1B visa approvals for Indian IT firms fall by 70% since 2015
The Indian IT sector has been facing significant challenges in recent years, and one of the major concerns has been the decline in H-1B visa approvals. According to a report by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), Indian IT services companies have registered a staggering 70% drop in H-1B visa approvals since 2015. This decline has severe implications for the Indian IT industry, which has been a significant player in the global technology landscape.
The NFAP report, which cites data from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), reveals that the top seven Indian IT firms secured just 4,573 initial-employment petitions in FY 2025. This marks a 37% reduction since last year, highlighting the significant decline in H-1B visa approvals for Indian IT companies. The report also notes that Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) was the only Indian IT company among the top five firms to receive H-1B visa approvals.
The decline in H-1B visa approvals has been a result of the stringent policies implemented by the US government, particularly the Trump administration’s “Buy American and Hire American” executive order. This order aimed to protect American jobs and limit the number of foreign workers entering the country. The order also introduced new rules and regulations, making it more difficult for companies to secure H-1B visas for foreign workers.
The H-1B visa program is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. The program is highly popular among Indian IT companies, which have been using it to send employees to work on projects in the US. However, the decline in H-1B visa approvals has forced Indian IT companies to explore alternative options, such as hiring local talent or setting up delivery centers in other countries.
The impact of the decline in H-1B visa approvals is being felt across the Indian IT industry. Many companies are struggling to find alternative solutions to meet their talent requirements, and some are even considering setting up operations in other countries. The decline in H-1B visa approvals has also led to a decrease in revenue for Indian IT companies, as they are unable to send employees to work on projects in the US.
The NFAP report highlights the need for the US government to reform the H-1B visa program to make it more efficient and effective. The report notes that the current system is flawed and is leading to a decline in H-1B visa approvals, which is having a negative impact on the US economy. The report suggests that the US government should increase the number of H-1B visas available and simplify the application process to make it easier for companies to secure visas for foreign workers.
The decline in H-1B visa approvals is not only affecting Indian IT companies but also the US economy. The NFAP report notes that the decline in H-1B visa approvals is leading to a shortage of skilled workers in the US, which is having a negative impact on the country’s economy. The report suggests that the US government should take steps to address this shortage, including increasing the number of H-1B visas available and making it easier for companies to hire foreign workers.
In conclusion, the decline in H-1B visa approvals for Indian IT firms is a significant concern for the Indian IT industry. The 70% drop in H-1B visa approvals since 2015 is having a severe impact on the industry, with many companies struggling to find alternative solutions to meet their talent requirements. The NFAP report highlights the need for the US government to reform the H-1B visa program to make it more efficient and effective. The report also notes that the decline in H-1B visa approvals is having a negative impact on the US economy, and the US government should take steps to address this shortage.
As the Indian IT industry continues to navigate the challenges posed by the decline in H-1B visa approvals, it is essential for companies to explore alternative solutions to meet their talent requirements. This may include hiring local talent, setting up delivery centers in other countries, or investing in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. The Indian IT industry has always been known for its resilience and adaptability, and it is likely that companies will find ways to overcome the challenges posed by the decline in H-1B visa approvals.
The NFAP report is a timely reminder of the need for the US government to reform the H-1B visa program to make it more efficient and effective. The report highlights the importance of the H-1B visa program in meeting the talent requirements of US companies and the need for the US government to take steps to address the shortage of skilled workers in the country. As the US government considers reforms to the H-1B visa program, it is essential for Indian IT companies to engage with policymakers and stakeholders to ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed.
In the meantime, Indian IT companies will need to continue to adapt to the changing landscape of the H-1B visa program. This may involve investing in emerging technologies, hiring local talent, or setting up delivery centers in other countries. The decline in H-1B visa approvals is a significant challenge for the Indian IT industry, but it also presents an opportunity for companies to innovate and adapt to the changing landscape of the global technology industry.
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