Indian workers hit hard by US H-1B Visa rule changes amid tech layoffs

In a recent update, the US tech industry is facing massive layoffs. It has hit Indian workers, particularly those on H-1B visas, the hardest. As stricter visa regulations and soaring application fees come into play, immigrants, international students, techies and skilled laborers are facing increasing challenges.
As per Layoffs.fyi, over 438 tech companies have laid off approximately 137,500 employees.

This has shattered the long-held belief that the tech industry is recession-proof. Indian workers on H-1B visas are especially vulnerable, as these visas come with strict timelines. Visa holders must find new employment within a limited period or face deportation, putting immense pressure on them during this job scarcity.

The issue is compounded by the extensive wait times for green cards. The US Congressional Research Service reports that many Indian workers face decades-long backlogs, some waiting over 190 years for permanent residency. Even after fulfilling all the labor requirements, these delays add another layer of uncertainty for Indian tech professionals, making their situation more precarious.

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Stricter Visa Policies

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Recent changes to US visa policies have further intensified difficulties for Indian workers. The October 2024 visa bulletin, released by the US Department of State, has caused concern across multiple visa categories, including the EB-5 investor visa program, which allows residency through significant investments. Delays for applicants from India and China remain a major issue, further complicating pathways to residency.

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Adding to the burden, the application fee for H-1B visas has surged from $10 to $215 per beneficiary—an extraordinary 2150% increase. Fees for paper filing have also risen sharply from $460 to $780, representing a 70% jump. These increases pose significant financial challenges for applicants, particularly in an environment of job uncertainty.

Green card applicants are also facing steeper costs, with the I-30 petition fee rising to $675 for paper submissions and $625 for online applications. A new $600 fee has been introduced for certain asylum petitions, and international students applying for F, M, and J visas are under increased scrutiny, with requirements for more accurate passport information.

In this tightening immigration landscape, the combination of layoffs, long green card wait times, and skyrocketing visa fees has placed Indian workers in a precarious position, amplifying their struggle to secure stable employment and residency in the United States.