Since Donald Trump assumed the U.S. presidency, immigration policies, particularly those governing H-1B visas, have undergone significant changes. The Trump administration tightened regulations for foreign workers, including higher fees, stricter stamping and renewal procedures, and social media scrutiny of applicants. These measures initially reduced the number of foreigners entering the U.S. for work, aiming to prioritize employment for American citizens.
Despite the tougher rules, demand for H-1B visas has surged, driven by rapid growth in the global artificial intelligence sector. Tech giants such as Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple invested nearly $380 billion in AI last year, creating a shortage of highly skilled professionals within the United States. To meet these targets, companies are increasingly willing to hire foreign talent and cover the high $100,000 visa fees.
Data from the 2025 fiscal year shows that over 80 percent of labor condition applications submitted by IT companies were for AI-related roles. Amazon led in hiring foreign professionals, recruiting 4,644 employees, followed by Google, Meta, and Microsoft. With 80 percent of computer science students at U.S. universities being international, American graduates lack the advanced skills required by tech companies, further increasing the demand for foreign workers, particularly from India.
Indian tech graduates who complete higher education in the U.S. often start under Optional Practical Training (OPT). To continue working, obtaining an H-1B visa is essential. U.S. companies are investing in these visas to secure long-term talent, creating significant opportunities for skilled Indian professionals in software development, data science, and advanced technology research.