US Tech Giants Dominate H-1B Visa Approvals Amid Shift in Global Talent Demand
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The US tech industry is witnessing a significant shift in the global talent demand, with American companies dominating the list of top H-1B visa approvals in fiscal year 2025. According to a report by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), Amazon, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Google topped the list, with Amazon securing the highest number of approvals at 4,644. This marks the first time that four US-based companies have held the top four positions. In contrast, Indian IT companies experienced a significant decline in their share, with only Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), LTIMindtree, and HCL America remaining among the top 25. The leading seven Indian IT employers achieved 4,573 approvals, marking a 70% decrease from 2015 and a 37% reduction compared to 2024. Industry analysts suggest that companies are investing heavily in artificial intelligence, with all four US-based companies mentioned above raising their forecasts for capital expenditures to exceed $380 billion this year. This investment underscores a commitment to AI development rather than merely seeking cost reductions through foreign employment. The H-1B visa is a temporary visa that allows high-skilled foreign nationals to work in the US long term. The annual limit is 65,000, with an exemption of 20,000 for individuals with master's degrees or higher from a US university. Employers must pay the higher of the actual or prevailing wage paid to US professionals with similar experience and qualifications. In 2025, the rate of denial for new petitions experienced a minor increase to 2.8%, up from 2.5% in the prior year. Amazon topped the list for continuing employment approvals with 14,532, followed by TCS, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google. The shift in global talent demand highlights the growing importance of artificial intelligence and related industries in the US tech industry. As companies continue to invest in AI development, the demand for skilled foreign professionals is expected to increase, leading to a significant impact on the H-1B visa program.
