H-1B visa approvals for Indian IT firms fall by 70% since 2015
The Indian IT services industry 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 from 2015. This decline has had a profound impact on the industry, with many companies struggling to secure the necessary visas for their employees.
The 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 ongoing struggles of the industry. The decline in H-1B visa approvals has been a major concern for Indian IT companies, as these visas are essential for them to deploy their employees to work on projects in the United States.
The NFAP report highlights the significant decline in H-1B visa approvals for Indian IT firms over the past few years. In 2015, these companies received a total of 14,792 H-1B visa approvals, which has now dropped to just 4,573. This decline has been attributed to various factors, including changes in the US immigration policy and increased scrutiny of visa applications.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) was the only Indian IT company among the top five firms to receive H-1B visa approvals in FY 2025. The company secured 1,353 initial-employment petitions, which is a significant decline from previous years. Other major Indian IT firms, such as Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Technologies, also saw a decline in H-1B visa approvals.
The decline in H-1B visa approvals has significant implications for the Indian IT industry. Many companies rely on these visas to deploy their employees to work on projects in the United States, which is a major market for Indian IT services. The decline in visa approvals has forced companies to explore alternative options, such as hiring local talent or setting up delivery centers in other countries.
The Indian government has been actively engaging with the US authorities to address the concerns of the IT industry. The government has been pushing for a more relaxed visa regime, which would enable Indian IT companies to secure the necessary visas for their employees. However, the US authorities have been tightening the visa rules, citing concerns over job displacement and national security.
The decline in H-1B visa approvals has also had an impact on the Indian economy. The IT industry is a significant contributor to India’s GDP, and the decline in visa approvals has affected the industry’s growth prospects. The Indian government has been exploring alternative markets for Indian IT services, such as Europe and Asia, to reduce the dependence on the US market.
In conclusion, the decline in H-1B visa approvals for Indian IT firms is a significant concern for the industry. The 70% drop in visa approvals since 2015 has had a profound impact on the industry, with many companies struggling to secure the necessary visas for their employees. The Indian government and the IT industry must work together to address the concerns of the US authorities and secure a more relaxed visa regime. This would enable Indian IT companies to compete effectively in the global market and drive growth in the industry.
The NFAP report highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to immigration policy, which balances the concerns of national security and job displacement with the need to attract top talent from around the world. The US authorities must recognize the significant contributions of Indian IT companies to the US economy and work towards creating a more favorable visa regime.
As the Indian IT industry continues to evolve and grow, it is essential to address the concerns around H-1B visa approvals. The industry must work together with the government and other stakeholders to create a more favorable business environment, which enables Indian IT companies to compete effectively in the global market.
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