TCS, Cognizant, Walmart Cease H1B Hiring as Visa Fee Hikes to ₹88 Lakh

The new H1B visa policy introduced by the Trump administration has led major companies, including TCS, Cognizant and Walmart, to discontinue or pause hiring under the programme, due to a steep $100,000 (₹88,00,000) visa application fee per candidate.

Massive Fee Forces Companies to Review US Hiring 

Effective from November 1, 2025, the revised H1B visa policy mandates a non-refundable $100,000 fee per new application. Global IT and retail giants such as TCS, Cognizant and Walmart have reacted by suspending their H1B hiring processes. This sharp increase in visa costs has compelled companies to reassess their workforce policies in the US.

Cognizant was among the first to implement changes by updating job listings to require that applicants be legally authorised to work in the US without sponsorship. TCS followed by stating it will halt new H1B recruitments entirely, citing a shift towards localisation of its workforce.

TCS and Cognizant Emphasise Local Talent Acquisition

In response to the change, TCS CEO K. Krithivasan highlighted that the firm has already significantly increased local hiring in the US. The Chief HR Officer, Sudeep Kunnumal, echoed this sentiment, stating that their existing business model allows for flexibility and supports hiring from local talent pools instead of relying on international visas.

Read More: H-1B Visa Petitions Without US$100000 Payment Proof to Be Denied: USCIS!

Walmart and Intuitive Surgical Follow Suit Amid Uncertainty

Walmart, which employed over 2,400 H1B workers before this new policy, is now carefully evaluating future hires. Meanwhile, California-based Intuitive Surgical added disclaimers to over 100 job postings, noting a pause in H1B offers due to uncertainty from the recent executive order.

Industry Concerns Mount Over Policy Impact

This policy aims to promote hiring of American workers, but global companies argue it will reduce access to skilled overseas talent and hinder innovation. Legal insiders question whether imposing such high fees without congressional approval is valid, and concerns over long-term effects on US operations persist.

Conclusion

The introduction of a ₹88,00,000 H1B visa fee has triggered a strategic shift for global firms in the US. With TCS, Cognizant and Walmart prioritising local hiring, the landscape of international employment in the US may undergo significant changes in the foreseeable future.

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