US Tech Layoffs Hit Indian H-1B Workers Hard Amid Stricter Visa Policies and Soaring Fees

The US tech industry is facing a wave of mass layoffs, leaving Indian workers, especially those on H-1B visas, in a vulnerable position. As stricter visa regulations and a sharp increase in application fees take effect, immigrants, international students, and skilled laborers are finding it increasingly difficult to navigate the job market.

According to Layoffs.fyi, more than 438 tech companies have laid off around 137,500 employees, challenging the once-held belief that the tech industry was recession-proof. Indian workers on H-1B visas are among the hardest hit, as they must secure new employment within a limited timeframe or risk deportation, adding immense pressure in an already tight job market.

Compounding the issue is the long wait time for green cards. The US Congressional Research Service reports that many Indian workers face backlogs spanning decades, with some waiting over 190 years for permanent residency. Even after fulfilling labor requirements, these delays add another layer of uncertainty for Indian tech professionals.

Recent changes to US visa policies have worsened the situation. The October 2024 visa bulletin from the US Department of State has caused concern across multiple visa categories, including the EB-5 investor visa program, which faces significant delays for Indian and Chinese applicants.

Adding to these challenges is the drastic increase in visa application fees. The fee for H-1B visas has surged from $10 to $215 per beneficiary—an extraordinary 2150% hike. Meanwhile, paper filing fees have jumped from $460 to $780, representing a 70% increase. Green card applicants are also facing higher costs, with fees for I-30 petitions rising and new charges introduced for asylum applications. International students are also under heightened scrutiny, with tighter requirements for passport information.

Amid this tightening immigration landscape, Indian workers in the US tech sector face an uphill battle. The combination of layoffs, exorbitant visa fees, and long green card wait times has amplified the challenges for securing stable employment and permanent residency.