In a surprising move that's sending shockwaves across the tech and immigration communities, Infosys, one of the top H-1B visa sponsors in the United States, has announced it will no longer hire any new H-1B visa applicants going forward.

Infosys H-1B hiring policy update - tech workers impacted by visa decision

According to an exclusive interview with Infosys' CFO Nilanjan Roy, the company is now focused on hiring local talent within the U.S. due to shifts in policy, cost, and access to a broader talent pool domestically. For years, Infosys ranked among the top 5 H-1B visa sponsors, bringing in thousands of foreign tech professionals to support major U.S.-based projects.

Why Infosys Is Stepping Back from H-1B Hiring

Speaking during Infosys' Q2 earnings call, Roy confirmed that the company will not be submitting new H-1B applications for the foreseeable future. He pointed to several key reasons:

  • Increased availability of local U.S. tech talent as a result of layoffs and market shifts.
  • Policy unpredictability under changing U.S. immigration regulations.
  • Cost efficiency in hiring local workers compared to managing visa logistics.

Infosys also said it will continue to honor existing H-1B contracts and workers already placed, but no new applicants will be considered.

What This Means for International Tech Talent

The H-1B visa program has long been a gateway for skilled foreign workers—especially in the IT, software, and engineering sectors—to live and work in the U.S. This sudden policy change from a key player like Infosys raises some serious questions:

  • Will other major tech firms follow suit?
  • Does this signal a long-term shift in U.S. hiring practices?
  • Is the H-1B program losing its appeal?

For international students and job seekers hoping to work in the U.S., this could mean tougher competition and fewer opportunities—especially in consulting or outsourcing firms that traditionally relied heavily on the visa route.

Industry Reactions & Expert Commentary

Immigration advocates are warning that this could have a ripple effect. Speaking to Newsweek, immigration lawyer Cyrus Mehta said:

“This is a significant move. Infosys has always been a pillar in the H-1B space. If more companies do this, we’ll need to rethink how we manage skilled immigration.”

On the flip side, some see this as a positive shift—an opportunity for more domestic hiring and training investments in the U.S. labor force.

Infosys' H-1B History: A Quick Snapshot

  • Ranked among the top 3 H-1B visa sponsors from 2015–2022
  • Filed over 20,000 petitions annually during peak years
  • Major clients included Fortune 500 companies in tech, finance, and healthcare

This sudden pivot marks a drastic shift in strategy for the company and perhaps a turning point for how outsourcing giants view international hiring.

What's Next for H-1B Visa Policy?

While the U.S. government hasn't introduced major policy changes recently, the tech hiring landscape has dramatically changed post-pandemic. Mass layoffs in Big Tech, increasing scrutiny of outsourcing models, and the rise of remote work have all influenced how companies like Infosys view global hiring.

Whether this is a one-off decision or the start of a larger trend, one thing is clear: foreign tech professionals will need to diversify their job search strategy and be prepared for more competition in the local U.S. job market.

Key Takeaways

  • Infosys will no longer hire new H-1B applicants.
  • Focus is shifting toward local hiring within the U.S.
  • This move could impact thousands of international students and tech workers.
  • Industry experts are watching closely to see if other companies follow suit.

FAQs About This H-1B Policy Change

Q: Is Infosys still employing current H-1B workers?
Yes, existing H-1B employees will remain unaffected. The change only applies to new applicants. Q: Can I still apply for an H-1B job at other companies?
Absolutely. This change is specific to Infosys. Other companies are still sponsoring H-1Bs, though competition may increase. Q: Will other companies follow Infosys’ lead?
It's possible. As hiring and immigration policies evolve, some firms may adopt similar strategies to reduce costs or avoid visa complexities.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a tech grad aiming to work in the U.S. or a hiring manager navigating talent shortages, the Infosys H-1B decision is a sign of the times. More than ever, flexibility, global hiring strategies, and an understanding of immigration trends will be crucial.

📌 Stay tuned, and if you're in the job market—local or global—keep your skills sharp and your options open.

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