A recent wave of layoffs in the U.S. tech industry has sent shockwaves through the sector, with devastating consequences for workers of Indian origin, particularly those on H-1B visas. Once considered a pillar of economic strength, the tech industry now finds itself in a period of upheaval, and its most vulnerable workers are facing a precarious new reality.
In a span of months, US tech layoffs have affected over 137,500 employees across 438 companies, according to data from Layoffs.fyi. This mass exodus of talent has severely reduced job opportunities in an already competitive tech market, putting international workers, especially those on temporary visas like the H-1B, in a tough position with layoffs.
Tech Layoffs: The Struggles of H-1B Visa Holders
The H-1B visa program allows skilled workers from countries like India to fill specialized positions in U.S. companies. However, these visa holders face a stringent timeline—once laid off, they have just 60 days to secure new employment or risk deportation. With so many in the tech sector already struggling to find jobs, this limited window adds tremendous pressure.
Compounding the situation, many Indian workers face an incredibly long wait for permanent residency in the U.S. Reports from the U.S. Congressional Research Service suggest that even after meeting all requirements, Indian nationals face a wait time of over 190 years for green cards. This backlog creates a volatile environment for these workers, whose futures in the U.S. are anything but guaranteed.
New Visa Changes Increase Burden on Immigrant Workers
The U.S. Department of State’s October 2024 visa bulletin introduced further complications for immigrant workers, outlining updated visa availability for the 2025 fiscal year. For Indian workers, the changes impacted several visa categories, including the EB-5 investor visa, which often experiences delays due to high demand from countries like India and China. While some improvements in processing times have been observed, the system still remains fraught with challenges.
Additionally, new fee hikes have added financial strain to visa applicants. The application fee for H-1B visas skyrocketed from $10 to $215, a staggering 2150% increase. For those filing their applications on paper, the cost has risen from $460 to $780—a 70% jump. These increases further burden immigrant workers, many of whom are already navigating job uncertainty.
Even the green card application process has become more costly. Filing a petition for an I-30 now costs $675 for paper filings, and online filings come in at $625. In addition, a $600 Asylum Fee has been introduced for certain petitions, creating yet another financial hurdle for those seeking residency in the U.S.
Stricter Rules for International Students
International students hoping to study and work in the U.S. also face heightened scrutiny under the new visa changes. Applicants for F, M, and J visas must now ensure complete accuracy in their passport information when booking visa appointments. This increased level of review could potentially slow the process for students looking to take advantage of opportunities in the U.S. tech sector.
However, not all changes are negative. The maximum validity period for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) has been extended to five years for eligible individuals, offering some relief for those seeking work permit extensions.
Additionally, international students can still benefit from programs like Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allow them to gain hands-on experience in the U.S. after graduation. The 24-month STEM OPT extension also remains intact, and some employer-related requirements have been loosened to encourage participation.
Uncertain Future for Indian Tech Workers with Layoffs fear
While some of the new policies aim to streamline processes and improve security, the combined effects of the layoffs, extended green card wait times, and rising visa costs have created a challenging landscape for Indian tech workers in the U.S. For many, the stakes are high—failing to navigate this complex system could mean uprooting their lives and returning to their home countries after years of building a career in America.
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