Now Reading: Indian IT Firms Cut H-1B Applications to Seven-Year Low
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Indian IT Firms Cut H-1B Applications to Seven-Year Low
Eligible H-1B registrations fell 38.5% to 211,600 for the US fiscal year 2027, according to USCIS data cited by Greatandhra.com. The figure is the lowest in at least seven years and compares…
The Story in Brief
Eligible H-1B registrations fell 38.5% to 211,600 for the US fiscal year 2027, according to USCIS data cited by Greatandhra.com. The figure is the lowest in at least seven years and compares with 343,981 registrations a year earlier. Registrations peaked at 758,994 in 2024. Indian technology companies are reviewing their dependence on H-1B visas as higher costs, lottery changes, salary preferences and artificial intelligence reshape hiring plans.
LawQuest managing partner Poorvi Chothani said AI and the revised selection system were among the reasons for the decline. A proposed US Department of Homeland Security rule could add fees of $4,000 for some H-1B extensions and $4,500 for some L-1 extensions. The proposal is not final. Indian nationals account for 77.6% of H-1B renewals, making them particularly exposed to any increase in sponsorship costs.
The Indian Opinion
The loudest claims will likely present this as either the collapse of Indian technology in America or proof that AI has already replaced overseas workers. Neither follows from one registration count. Costs, selection rules, local hiring and offshore delivery are also shaping decisions, while existing approvals remain valid. The useful test is whether Indian firms keep reducing new filings after the proposed fees are settled, and whether registrations fall below 200,000 next year.
Source: greatandhra.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
