Top H-1B Visa Sponsor Halts Hiring of H-1B Applicants Moving Forward

The CEO of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a leading H-1B visa sponsor in the U.S., announced the company will halt hiring new H-1B applicants. This decision aligns with efforts to reduce dependency on visa-based talent amidst a crackdown on immigration policies.

TCS CEO’s Announcement and Strategy

TCS CEO K Krithivasan disclosed that the company will lessen the number of H-1B visa holders in its U.S. offices. Speaking to the Times of India, Krithivasan emphasized hiring more locally as part of an ongoing strategy. He noted that the company will not seek to expand its current 11,000 H-1B visa employees within its U.S. workforce of around 32,000.

Background on H-1B Visa Policy Changes

The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire skilled foreign workers. As of 2025, TCS was the second-largest H-1B visa sponsor, with 5,505 approvals, following Amazon. The Trump administration introduced a new policy requiring a $100,000 annual fee for companies employing H-1B workers. This policy aims to address perceived abuses of the visa program.

Impact of New H-1B Visa Fee

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick supported the fee, stating it would ensure that foreign workers are essential and valuable to both companies and the U.S. economy. A coalition, including unions and employers, has filed a lawsuit to challenge this fee.

Implications for the Tech Industry

TCS’s decision may foreshadow a shift in hiring practices among tech firms in response to stricter immigration policies. Companies might increasingly focus on hiring local talent, reflecting a broader adaptation to policy changes under the Trump administration.

For more updates on immigration policies and tech industry responses, stay tuned to Emegypt for the latest developments.