Indian tech firms in US secure 20% of H-1B visas in 2024, Infosys leads

Indian tech companies secured nearly 20% of all H-1B visas issued by the United States in 2024, according to data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Out of 1.3 lakh H-1B visas granted to various employers during the April-September period, Indian companies were issued 24,766 visas. Infosys led the Indian pack with 8,140 visas, followed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) with 5,274, and HCL America with 2,953.

Globally, Amazon topped the list with 9,265 H-1B visas, slightly ahead of Infosys.

Cognizant, a company founded in Chennai but now headquartered in New Jersey, ranked third overall with 6,321 visas.

Other major Indian IT firms also featured prominently, with Wipro obtaining 1,634 visas and Tech Mahindra 1,199.

The H-1B visa programme enables US companies to hire foreign professionals in specialised fields.

Indian IT giants like Infosys, TCS, Wipro, and HCL Technologies have consistently been among the largest beneficiaries of the programme, particularly in the technology sector.

However, recent developments highlight challenges as companies navigate regulatory changes and shifting public sentiment toward immigration.

Elon Musk, a former H-1B visa holder and Tesla boss, voiced his support for the programme.

In a December 28 post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk emphasised the importance of welcoming talent from diverse backgrounds.

“Anyone — of any race, creed or nationality — who came to America and worked like hell to contribute to this country will forever have my respect. America is the land of freedom and opportunity. Fight with every fibre of your being to keep it that way!,” he wrote on X.

Musk’s comments were echoed by President-elect Donald Trump, who previously restricted the H-1B visa programme in 2020, citing concerns over American jobs being replaced by lower-paid foreign workers.

Trump has since expressed a more balanced stance, stating his support for reforms that meet the needs of US businesses while protecting American workers.

With inputs from PTI