The H-1B visa, long considered a gateway for skilled professionals to work in the United States, is seeing a significant dip in interest from Indian applicants, particularly from Hyderabad. A combination of rising costs, new restrictions on multiple applications, and increasing uncertainty about employment prospects in the U.S. has led to this shift. The latest policy changes under the Trump administration have had a noticeable impact, reshaping the way Indian professionals approach their visa applications.
Hyderabad’s Role in H-1B Visa Applications
Hyderabad has traditionally been one of the largest contributors to H-1B visa applications. As a major hub for IT and technology professionals, the city has supplied a steady stream of talent to U.S. companies, particularly in Silicon Valley. Home to multinational giants like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Facebook, Hyderabad has played a critical role in India’s global technology workforce.
For years, thousands of professionals from Hyderabad have pursued H-1B visas, securing jobs in U.S. tech firms and consulting companies. However, the recent decline in applications is raising concerns among consultants, job aspirants, and recruitment agencies. The shift is attributed to a combination of factors, including stricter regulations, increased costs, and broader market uncertainties.
What Is Driving the Decline?
Several key factors are contributing to the decreasing interest in H-1B visa applications from Hyderabad.
Higher Costs for Applicants
One of the most significant changes affecting potential applicants is the sharp rise in registration fees. Previously, applicants were required to pay a nominal $10 fee to enter the H-1B lottery system. However, under the latest regulations, this fee has surged to $215—an increase of over 2,000%. For many hopefuls, particularly those applying through consultancies, this rise has made the process more expensive and less attractive.
While the increase may not seem substantial for individual applicants, it has a more profound impact on consulting firms that file multiple applications on behalf of candidates. Many agencies used to submit several applications for a single candidate through different employers, increasing their chances of securing a spot in the lottery. With the new higher fees, this strategy has become less financially viable, leading to a steep drop in applications.
Restrictions on Multiple Applications
In addition to higher costs, a major regulatory shift has eliminated the possibility of multiple applications for a single individual. Previously, some applicants improved their odds of selection by filing multiple H-1B petitions using different passport details and company sponsors. This loophole allowed a single applicant to have a greater probability of being selected in the lottery.
Under the new rules, each applicant is allowed only one application per passport, ensuring a more equitable selection process. While this change is designed to prevent misuse of the system, it has also led to a substantial reduction in overall applications from Hyderabad. Many aspirants who previously relied on multiple filings to boost their chances now find their odds significantly reduced, discouraging them from applying altogether.
Uncertainty Over U.S. Job Prospects
Another critical factor affecting H-1B applications is the growing uncertainty regarding job opportunities in the U.S. With changing immigration policies and layoffs in the tech sector, many potential applicants are re-evaluating their decision to move abroad. The U.S. job market has become more competitive, and stricter visa policies make it harder for foreign workers to secure long-term employment.
In recent months, several major U.S. tech companies have announced layoffs, affecting thousands of workers, including H-1B visa holders. The fear of being stranded without a job in a foreign country, combined with rising living costs in the U.S., has discouraged many Indian professionals from pursuing the visa route. As a result, alternative destinations such as Canada and Australia are gaining popularity among skilled Indian workers.
Impact on Hyderabad’s Consultancy Firms
The decline in H-1B applications has had a direct impact on Hyderabad’s consultancy firms, which have traditionally played a crucial role in connecting Indian professionals with U.S. employers. Many recruitment agencies that specialised in H-1B placements are witnessing a sharp drop in inquiries and applications.
Arun Teja Bukkaparapu, a prominent consultant in Hyderabad, has noted an unprecedented decline in interest from job seekers. He emphasised that while the demand for overseas opportunities remains strong, the increasing challenges surrounding H-1B visas are pushing professionals to explore alternative work permits and residency programmes in other countries.
Many consultancies that previously relied on bulk applications to secure spots in the H-1B lottery are now rethinking their business models. Some firms are shifting their focus towards employer-sponsored Green Cards, while others are exploring opportunities in Canada’s Express Entry programme, which offers a more predictable pathway to permanent residency.
Understanding the H-1B Visa Programme
The H-1B visa programme is a critical part of the U.S. immigration system, allowing American companies to hire foreign professionals for specialised jobs, primarily in the fields of technology, engineering, and finance. Every year, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives far more applications than the number of visas available, leading to a lottery-based selection process.
Currently, the annual cap for H-1B visas stands at 65,000, with an additional 20,000 reserved for applicants holding a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. university. Given the high demand, competition for these visas has always been intense, with Indian applicants historically making up the largest share of beneficiaries.
Over the years, the programme has undergone multiple revisions, with successive U.S. administrations introducing changes to streamline the process, reduce fraud, and ensure that the visas go to the most deserving candidates. The recent measures, including fee hikes and restrictions on multiple filings, are part of a broader effort to reform the system and address concerns about misuse.
What Lies Ahead for Indian Applicants?
With the landscape of H-1B applications shifting, many Indian professionals are now weighing alternative pathways to work abroad. Canada has emerged as a top destination, thanks to its points-based immigration system, which offers a clear and structured route to permanent residency. Countries like Germany and Australia are also becoming attractive options for skilled workers looking for stable employment and long-term settlement opportunities.
Despite the challenges, the U.S. remains a preferred destination for many Indian professionals. However, the new policies mean that applicants will need to be more strategic in their approach. Direct hiring by U.S. companies, employer-sponsored Green Cards, and alternative visa categories such as the L-1 (intra-company transfer) visa could become more viable options in the coming years.
Consultancy firms in India are also expected to adapt to the changing environment by diversifying their offerings. Some are already expanding their services to include job placements in European and Canadian markets, while others are focusing on helping candidates secure direct employment contracts with U.S. firms to bypass the H-1B lottery system.
Final Thoughts
The decline in H-1B visa applications from Hyderabad marks a turning point in the Indian workforce’s approach to global employment. With rising costs, stricter regulations, and uncertain job prospects, Indian professionals are rethinking their options and looking beyond the traditional U.S. route. While the H-1B programme will continue to play a key role in international hiring, its accessibility and attractiveness to Indian applicants are undergoing a fundamental shift.
As immigration policies continue to evolve, skilled workers will need to stay informed and explore alternative opportunities that align with their long-term career goals. Whether through direct employer sponsorships, alternative visa programmes, or new global work destinations, the future of Indian professionals in the global job market is set to diversify beyond the H-1B visa.
