H-1B Visa Holders Take Note: Google and Amazon Have Cut Foreign Hiring by Nearly 2,900 Positions
For Indian professionals hoping to build or continue their careers in the United States on H-1B visas, the hiring landscape is becoming increasingly challenging.
Fresh data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows that major technology companies, including Google and Amazon, have significantly reduced their H-1B visa filings as they shift focus toward artificial intelligence, cost efficiency, and leaner workforces. The decline signals a major change in how Big Tech is approaching overseas hiring.
According to recent reports, Amazon’s certified H-1B applications fell from about 4,647 in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 to roughly 3,057 during the same period in fiscal 2026. Google witnessed an even steeper drop, with approved H-1B hiring shrinking from around 5,100 positions to nearly 2,200. Combined, the reduction amounts to almost 2,900 fewer positions, raising concerns among skilled foreign workers, particularly Indians who make up the largest share of H-1B beneficiaries
The slowdown comes amid a broader wave of restructuring across Silicon Valley. Companies that once hired aggressively are now prioritizing AI investments while trimming headcount in traditional business units. Several tech giants, including Amazon, Meta and Google, have announced layoffs or hiring slowdowns over the past year as they redirect resources toward artificial intelligence initiatives.
Another factor behind the decline is the tightening of U.S. immigration policies. Higher visa related costs, stricter scrutiny of applications and changes to hiring rules have made companies more cautious about sponsoring foreign talent. Industry experts say these measures have contributed to a sharp drop in H-1B filings across the technology sector.
For Indian professionals already working in the U.S. on H-1B visas, the situation has become more uncertain. Recent layoffs at major technology firms have left many workers racing against the 60 day grace period that determines whether they can find a new employer sponsor or leave the country.
While demand for specialized AI talent remains strong, the era of large-scale H-1B hiring by Big Tech appears to be slowing. For aspiring applicants from India, securing an H-1B sponsored role may now require greater specialization, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced software engineering. As technology companies reshape their workforce strategies, the competition for overseas opportunities is only expected to intensify.