New Delhi: The Indian IT and technology sector is investing over $1 billion in local upskilling and hiring in the United States, as companies increasingly reduce their reliance on H-1B visas, according to industry body Nasscom.
Over the past decade, Indian and India-centric firms operating in the US have steadily increased local hiring while H-1B visa usage has declined. Data shows that the number of H-1B visas issued to leading Indian firms fell from 14,792 in 2015 to 10,162 in 2024. Nasscom noted that H-1B employees at the top 10 Indian and India-centric companies now constitute less than 1% of their total workforce, suggesting a marginal impact on the sector even with policy changes.
“With the new $100,000 H-1B fee coming into effect from 2026, companies have time to further enhance skilling programs in the US and continue expanding local hiring,” the industry body said. H-1B visas, which allow high-skilled foreign workers to fill critical gaps, are paid at par with local employees and represent a small fraction of the overall US workforce.
Nasscom highlighted that predictable and stable skilled talent mobility is crucial for sustaining competitiveness, fueling innovation, and enabling forward-looking investment decisions. “Skilled talent mobility will be central to accelerating research and strengthening nations’ positions in the global innovation economy,” the statement added.
On September 20, the White House clarified that the recently announced $100,000 H-1B fee will only apply to fresh petitions and will not affect current visa holders, addressing immediate concerns around eligibility, timelines, and business continuity for H-1B holders outside the US.
