One-fifth of all H1B visas issued by the US go to Indian-origin tech companies.

Indian-origin tech companies received a significant proportion of H1B visas issued by the US in the period of April-September 2024. Out of 1.3 lakh visas issued, 24,766 were issued to Indian-origin companies, led by Infosys with 8,140 beneficiaries, followed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and HCL America. The H1B visa program allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, and Indian IT services firms consistently rank among the top employers of H1B visa holders. The future of the program depends on balancing the needs of US businesses for skilled labor with broader immigration policy reforms. Elon Musk, a former H-1B visa holder, has supported the tech industry’s reliance on foreign workers, emphasizing the importance of welcoming individuals from all backgrounds who contribute to the US. President-elect Donald Trump’s first administration restricted the program in 2020, arguing that it allows businesses to replace Americans with lower-paid foreign workers. As the program adapts to regulatory changes and public sentiment, the need for flexibility and reform may become increasingly apparent.