LTIMindtree Halts New H-1B Visa Applications Amid Rising U.S. Fees, Shifts to Local Hiring

LTIMindtree will stop applying for new H-1B work visas for its employees. The Indian IT services giant announced this major policy shift this week. CEO Venugopal Lambu detailed the change in an interview with Moneycontrol.The decision responds directly to a new U.S. government fee of $100,000 for new H-1B petitions. This move signals a broader industry trend toward local recruitment in key markets like the United States.

Driving Growth Without Visa Reliance

CEO Venugopal Lambu was unequivocal about the new direction. He stated the company will not file new H-1B applications unless a strong business case justifies the $100,000 cost. This fee was established by a recent U.S. presidential proclamation.According to Reuters, the visa fee and political scrutiny have pressured many tech firms. Lambu confirmed the policy applies to the upcoming H-1B lottery cycle. Existing visa renewals for current employees are not affected.The company employs over 86,000 people globally. Only about 4,000 of its U.S. workforce currently hold H-1B visas. Lambu told Moneycontrol the firm has already reduced its dependence on this visa category.

A Strategic Pivot for Long-Term Stability

This is not just a cost-saving measure. It is a core part of LTIMindtree’s growth strategy. The firm aims to double its revenue over the next five years without a proportional increase in headcount.Lambu highlighted recent financial performance to illustrate this goal. The company added $64 million in revenue in the first half of the fiscal year while its net headcount decreased. The focus is now squarely on hiring talent locally within the U.S. and other international markets.This approach aims to build a more stable, integrated workforce. It also mitigates risks associated with future immigration policy changes. The CEO left the door open to revisit the decision if U.S. regulations change.

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The halt on new H-1B visa applications by LTIMindtree marks a significant pivot for a major IT services player. It reflects the increasing financial and political complexities of global talent mobility.

Info at your fingertips

Why did LTIMindtree stop new H-1B applications?

The primary reason is a new $100,000 U.S. government fee for new H-1B petitions. CEO Venugopal Lambu stated the cost is prohibitive without an exceptionally strong business case to justify it.

How many LTIMindtree employees have H-1B visas?

The company reports that approximately 4,000 of its employees in the United States are on H-1B visas. This is out of a global workforce exceeding 86,000 people.

Will current employees lose their visas?

No. This policy only applies to new visa applications. Renewals for existing H-1B visa holders at LTIMindtree are not affected and will proceed as normal.

How will this impact hiring in the U.S.?

LTIMindtree plans to accelerate its local hiring efforts in the United States. The strategy is to build its American workforce directly rather than relying on visa sponsorships for overseas talent.

What is the company’s growth strategy now?

The firm aims to significantly grow revenue without a matching increase in total employee count. This “efficiency-driven growth” model relies on higher productivity and strategic local hiring in key markets.