H-1B visa approvals for Indian IT firms fall by 70% since 2015
The Indian IT services industry has been facing a significant decline in H-1B visa approvals over the past few years. According to a report by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), the number of H-1B visa approvals for Indian IT firms has dropped by a staggering 70% since 2015. This decline has been consistent, with the top seven Indian IT firms securing only 4,573 initial-employment petitions in the fiscal year 2025, marking a 37% reduction from the previous year.
The report, which cites data from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), highlights the significant impact of the decline in H-1B visa approvals on the Indian IT industry. The H-1B visa program is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, such as technology and engineering. Indian IT firms have been heavily reliant on the H-1B visa program to send their employees to work on projects in the United States.
The decline in H-1B visa approvals has been attributed to various factors, including changes in the US immigration policy and increased scrutiny of visa applications. The Trump administration’s “Buy American and Hire American” executive order, which was signed in 2017, has been particularly impactful. The order directs federal agencies to prioritize the hiring of American workers and to protect their interests by restricting the entry of foreign workers.
The NFAP report notes that the top seven Indian IT firms, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, HCL America, Tech Mahindra, Larsen & Toubro Infotech, and Mindtree, have been disproportionately affected by the decline in H-1B visa approvals. TCS was the only Indian IT company among the top five firms to receive H-1B visa approvals in fiscal year 2025, with 1,353 approvals.
The decline in H-1B visa approvals has significant implications for the Indian IT industry, which has been a major driver of the country’s economic growth. The industry has been facing increasing competition from other countries, such as China and the Philippines, which have been aggressively promoting their own IT sectors. The decline in H-1B visa approvals has made it even more challenging for Indian IT firms to compete in the global market.
The NFAP report also notes that the decline in H-1B visa approvals has not been limited to Indian IT firms. Other companies, including US-based firms, have also been affected by the decline in visa approvals. However, the impact on Indian IT firms has been particularly significant, given their heavy reliance on the H-1B visa program.
The decline in H-1B visa approvals has also raised concerns about the impact on the US economy. The H-1B visa program has been credited with helping to fill labor gaps in the US technology sector, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence and data science. The decline in visa approvals has raised concerns that the US may struggle to attract and retain top talent in these areas, which could have significant implications for the country’s economic competitiveness.
In conclusion, the decline in H-1B visa approvals for Indian IT firms is a significant concern for the industry, with implications for the Indian economy and the global IT sector. The NFAP report highlights the need for policymakers to re-examine the H-1B visa program and to consider reforms that would help to address the decline in visa approvals. This could include streamlining the visa application process, increasing the number of visas available, and providing more flexibility for companies to hire foreign workers.
As the Indian IT industry continues to navigate the challenges posed by the decline in H-1B visa approvals, it is clear that the sector will need to adapt and evolve in order to remain competitive. This may involve exploring new markets, developing new skills, and investing in emerging technologies. However, it is also important for policymakers to recognize the importance of the H-1B visa program and to take steps to ensure that it remains a viable option for companies seeking to hire foreign workers.
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