H-1B Visa Crisis: The Impact of US Tech Layoffs on Indian Workers

The recent wave of US tech layoffs has placed Indian workers on H-1B visas in a precarious position. With more than 438 tech companies slashing over 137,500 jobs, the implications for these workers are significant. Due to stringent timelines, laid-off employees must swiftly secure new employment or risk deportation.

Moreover, the backlogs for green cards remain daunting, with many Indian workers facing an excruciating wait that can stretch into decades. Reports indicate some individuals could wait more than 190 years for permanent residency.

Recent shifts in visa policy, highlighted in the October 2024 visa bulletin, have raised alarms, impacting various visa categories, including EB-5 investor visas. Additionally, the costs associated with H-1B visa applications have surged dramatically. Application fees skyrocketed from $10 to $215 per beneficiary—a staggering 2150% increase—while paper filing fees surged from $460 to $780, a jump of 70%.

The financial burden continues with hikes in green card application fees, and new charges for certain asylum petitions. International students applying for various visas face increased scrutiny.

In this tightening immigration landscape, Indian workers on H-1B visas grapple with job instability amid layoffs, exorbitant costs, and protracted green card wait times, underscoring their critical need for viable employment options and stable residency.