From TCS to HCL: H-1B Petitions by Indian IT Firms Tumble in 2025

H-1B visa petitions for new employment by Indian companies declined significantly in FY 2025, even as US tech leaders like Amazon and Meta dominated the list. This shift reflects evolving hiring patterns and increased localisation of tech roles. 

US Tech Giants Top H-1B Petitions  

According to recently released US govt data, H-1B petitions filed by Indian companies in FY 2025 dropped 37% from the previous year. Compared to a decade ago, filings from the 7 largest Indian employers fell 70%. Amazon led with 4,644 approvals for initial employment, followed by Meta (1,555), Microsoft (1,394), and Google (1,050). Apple secured the 6th position with a strong presence. 

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) remained the highest-ranked Indian firm at number 5. However, it was among only 3 Indian companies in the top 25, joined by LTIMindtree (ranked 20) and HCL America (ranked 21). 

Shift Driven by Local Hiring and Remote Work Capabilities 

Industry changes such as increased hiring of US nationals, advancement in technology, and a growing preference for offshore work have contributed to reduced reliance on H-1B visas. Additionally, new visa policies and entry costs, including a $1,00,000 fee per new entrant, have impacted offshore-heavy companies more heavily. 

Read More: US-Based Federal Card Services to Enter India with $250 Million Investment! 

Top States and Cities for H-1B Visa Holders 

In FY 2025, California led in H-1B approvals with 21,559 cases, followed by Texas (12,613), New York (11,436), New Jersey (7,729), and Virginia (7,579). At the city level, New York recorded 7,811 new petitions, followed by Arlington (4,836), Chicago (2,923), and San Jose (2,383). 

The dominant industries receiving H-1B approvals were professional and technical services, education, manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, and finance. 

Conclusion 

The decline in H-1B petitions from Indian companies signals a strategic shift towards localisation and remote capabilities in global tech operations. Meanwhile, US giants continue to dominate skilled immigration-related hiring, reshaping the global tech workforce landscape. 

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