Impact Of US Tech Layoffs And New Visa Regulations On Indian Workers

A recent wave of layoffs in the US tech industry has significantly impacted workers of Indian origin, particularly those on H-1B visas.

As the industry grapples with these layoffs, new visa regulations have compounded the challenges faced by immigrant international students and skilled workers in America.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Approximately 438 tech companies have laid off around 137,500 employees, according to Layoffs.fyi. This upheaval has led to a scarcity of job opportunities, especially for H-1B visa holders who face strict timelines to secure new employment, as reported by Hindustan Times. If they fail to find a job within the allowed timeframe, they may have to leave the country. Reports indicate that Indian workers can endure extraordinarily long waits for green cards-sometimes exceeding 190 years after fulfilling all labour requirements, further complicating their situation.

The recent visa bulletin from the U.S. Department of State for October 2024 outlined immigrant visa availability for the 2025 fiscal year. This update affects various visa categories, including the EB-5 investor visa program, which allows individuals to obtain visas by investing in designated projects, particularly in rural or high-unemployment areas. Although available globally, applicants from mainland China and India frequently encounter delays. However, processing times appear to be improving, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Recent changes in visa policies have introduced significant fee hikes that have raised concerns among H-1B visa holders. The fee for H-1B visas has surged from $10 to $215, marking a staggering 2150% increase. Additionally, the application fee for paper filings has risen from $460 to $780, representing a 70% increase. The costs for green card applications have also escalated, with the I-30 petition now priced at $675 for paper filings and $625 for online submissions. New asylum fees have been set at $600 for certain petitions, while international students applying for F, M, and J visas must now provide precise passport information during their application process.

On a positive note, the maximum validity for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) has been extended to five years for eligible individuals, offering some relief regarding work permit extensions. Students can continue to benefit from practical training opportunities, including Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT), with the 24-month STEM OPT extension remaining available. Some employer requirements have also been relaxed, as per media reports.

While these changes aim to simplify processes and improve security, they may also impose additional financial pressures on applicants and reshape the U.S. tech workforce landscape. The combination of layoffs and heightened scrutiny of visa applications creates a daunting environment for Indian workers and international students in the tech industry.