H-1B Fiasco: Big Changes Happening Already?

The Donald Trump administration has started the H1B visa fee change policy and it is bringing about a lot of changes already. Indian IT companies are changing the way they work in the United States.

According to Nasscom, these firms are now investing over $1 billion in local hiring and training American workers. This shift comes as U.S. policies on foreign work visas, especially H-1B, are becoming more expensive and restrictive.

In 2015, leading Indian IT firms received about 14,792 H-1B visas. By 2024, that number dropped to 10,162. Today, H-1B holders make up less than 1% of the total employees in the top ten Indian IT companies in the U.S. This shows a steady decline in dependence on foreign workers.

From 2026, the U.S. will impose a $100,000 fee on each new H-1B visa petition. While this does not affect current H-1B holders, it will heavily increase costs for new applications. To prepare for this, Indian IT companies are strengthening their U.S. workforce through local hiring and upskilling programs.

Nasscom says this move not only helps companies adjust to new visa rules but also supports U.S. innovation and competitiveness. By hiring locally, companies can build stronger community ties and reduce risks from sudden policy changes.

This trend marks a new phase for Indian IT firms less reliance on visas, more focus on developing talent within the U.S.