Major US companies, including tech giants like Amazon, Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have significantly reduced their sponsorship of H-1B visa for skilled foreign workers in 2024, according to data from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This shift marks a notable departure from the trends observed in recent years, where these companies heavily relied on H-1B visas to recruit international talent.
Decline in H-1B Visa Sponsorships
The H-1B visa program has long been a cornerstone for US businesses looking to hire highly skilled foreign professionals, particularly in sectors like technology, healthcare, and engineering. However, the latest USCIS data for the fiscal year 2024 (October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024) highlights a significant decline in H-1B visa sponsorships across nearly all top US companies.
While Indian nationals continue to dominate the H-1B workforce—comprising over 72% of all recipients in 2023—several companies, including Amazon, Google, IBM, and Indian IT giants like Infosys and TCS, have scaled back their reliance on the program.
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Top H-1B Sponsors in 2024
Despite the decline, some companies remain major contributors to H-1B sponsorships. Below are the top 10 companies with the most H-1B visa approvals in 2024:
- Amazon Com Services LLC: 9,265 approvals
- Infosys Limited: 8,140 approvals
- Cognizant Technology Solutions: 6,321 approvals
- Google LLC: 5,364 approvals
- Meta Platforms Inc: 4,844 approvals
- Microsoft Corporation: 4,725 approvals
- Apple Inc: 3,873 approvals
- HCL America Inc: 2,953 approvals
- IBM Corporation: 2,906 approvals
Although Amazon retained its top spot, its visa approvals declined sharply from over 11,000 in 2023 to just above 9,000 in 2024. Similarly, Infosys and TCS reported significant drops, signaling a change in strategy for these companies.
Why Are Companies Scaling Back on H-1B Sponsorships?
The decline in H-1B visa sponsorships can be attributed to several factors:
- Economic Uncertainty: With global economic challenges, companies are becoming cautious about hiring foreign workers and are focusing on cost optimization.
- Increased Focus on Domestic Talent: Many companies are emphasizing local recruitment and training to reduce dependence on foreign workers.
- Shift Toward Green Card Sponsorships: Some firms are transitioning toward sponsoring permanent residency (Green Cards) to retain long-term employees instead of relying on the H-1B program.
- Regulatory Changes and Scrutiny: Stricter regulations and increased scrutiny of H-1B applications may have discouraged companies from filing new petitions.
Impact on the Workforce
The reduction in H-1B sponsorships could have far-reaching implications for the US job market and skilled foreign workers. For employers, this shift could lead to challenges in sourcing specialized talent domestically. For aspiring H-1B visa holders, the competition for fewer sponsorship opportunities will be even fiercer.
Future of the H-1B Visa Program
The H-1B visa program remains a critical pathway for skilled immigrants to contribute to the US economy. However, the data from 2024 suggests that companies are exploring alternative strategies to meet their workforce needs. As businesses adapt to changing economic and regulatory landscapes, the role of H-1B visas in shaping the US labor market may continue to evolve.
Conclusion: The reduction in H-1B visa sponsorships by major US companies like Amazon, Infosys, and TCS marks a significant shift in employment trends for skilled foreign workers. While these changes reflect economic and regulatory pressures they also underscore the growing emphasis on local talent development and long-term workforce planning. Aspiring H-1B visa holders and employers alike must navigate this evolving landscape to adapt to the new realities of global employment.