Recently, the U.S. tech industry has faced significant layoffs, affecting many workers, particularly those of Indian origin on H-1B visas.
This situation, combined with new visa regulations, has made life difficult for international students and skilled workers in the U.S.
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In an industry once seen as stable, around 438 tech companies have let go of about 137,500 employees. This has led to fewer job opportunities.
For those on H-1B visas, the time to find a new job is limited, which can force them to leave the country if they don’t secure employment quickly. Reports indicate that Indian workers often wait decades for green cards, complicating their situation further.
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The U.S. Department of State recently updated its visa bulletin for the 2025 fiscal year, outlining the status of various visa applications, including the EB-5 investor visa.
This visa allows people to obtain residency by investing in specific projects, but applicants from India often face delays.
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Additionally, there have been significant increases in visa fees. The cost for H-1B visas jumped from $10 to $215, a 2150% rise, while the application fee for paper filings increased from $460 to $780, a 70% increase. These fee hikes also affect green card applicants, with new costs for filing petitions and asylum applications.
While the new rules have brought challenges, there is some good news.
The validity period for Employment Authorization Documents has been extended to five years for eligible individuals, easing the burden of work permit renewals.
Students can still benefit from training opportunities, including the 24-month STEM OPT extension, with some relaxed employer requirements.
