Is the Indian tech industry boosting local skilling and hiring in the US?
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Synopsis
The Indian tech industry is making significant investments in local skilling and hiring within the US, with over $1 billion allocated. As reported by Nasscom, local hiring has seen tremendous growth as companies reduce their reliance on H-1B visas. The sector anticipates minimal impact from upcoming fee changes, which aim to further strengthen local talent development.
Key Takeaways
- Indian tech industry invests over $1 billion in US hiring.
- Local hires are significantly increasing.
- Dependence on H-1B visas is decreasing.
- Upcoming fee changes will impact only new petitions.
- Nasscom supports skilled talent mobility for economic growth.
New Delhi, Sep 22 (NationPress) The Indian IT and tech sector is investing over $1 billion in enhancing local upskilling and recruitment in the United States, with a remarkable surge in the number of local employees, as reported by the industry’s leading organization, Nasscom.
Over time, Indian and India-focused firms in the US have notably decreased their reliance on H-1B visas and have steadily ramped up local hiring.
According to Nasscom, “Additionally, with the fee being enforced starting in 2026, companies have the opportunity to further enhance their skilling initiatives in the US while bolstering local employment.”
Data shows that the issuance of H-1B visas to major Indian and India-focused companies has dropped from 14,792 in 2015 to 10,162 in 2024.
Nasscom noted, “H-1B employees represent less than 1 percent of the total workforce for the top 10 Indian and India-focused companies. Given this trend, we foresee only a slight impact on the sector.”
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant status for highly skilled workers that addresses essential skill shortages in the US, with salaries comparable to local hires. Furthermore, H-1B workers constitute a mere fraction of the overall workforce in the United States.
Nasscom has consistently championed for stable and predictable frameworks for skilled talent mobility, essential for maintaining national competitiveness and driving U.S. innovation and economic growth,” the organization stated.
The mobility of skilled talent will be crucial for businesses aiming to make forward-thinking investment choices, expedite research, and fortify nations’ standings in the global innovation economy.
On September 20, the White House issued clarifications regarding the recent proclamation that introduces a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications.
This clarification ensures that the measure will not impact existing visa holders and will serve as a one-time fee applicable only to new petitions, addressing immediate uncertainties surrounding eligibility and timelines.
This development also alleviates concerns regarding business continuity and uncertainty for H-1B holders outside the United States.
Point of View
We acknowledge the significant strides the Indian tech industry is making in bolstering local employment in the United States. This shift not only addresses skill gaps but also fosters a stronger economic partnership between the two countries. It reflects a commitment to sustainable growth and innovation.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Indian tech industry investing in local hiring in the US?
The Indian tech industry is investing over $1 billion in local upskilling and hiring initiatives in the US.
What is the current trend regarding H-1B visas for Indian companies?
There has been a significant reduction in H-1B visa issuance, dropping from 14,792 in 2015 to 10,162 in 2024.
What percentage of the workforce do H-1B employees represent in top Indian firms?
H-1B employees represent less than 1 percent of the total workforce in the top 10 Indian and India-centric companies.
What is the new fee related to H-1B visa applications?
A $100,000 annual fee will be introduced for new H-1B visa petitions, starting in 2026.
What does Nasscom advocate for in terms of talent mobility?
Nasscom advocates for predictable and stable frameworks for skilled talent mobility, crucial for sustaining competitiveness and innovation.
