TCS Secures Second-Highest H-1B Visa Approvals for 2025

Amazon leads the pack for H-1B visa approvals in the United States. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) follows closely in second place. The data comes from recent federal immigration reports.

This ranking highlights the continued reliance on global tech talent. It also arrives amid significant new policy changes for the visa program.

New $100,000 Fee Shakes Up Visa Landscape

The Trump administration announced a massive new fee for H-1B visas. The annual cost is now set at a staggering $100,000. Officials state this aims to check systemic abuse of the program.

This fee surpasses the median salary for new H-1B holders. It will significantly impact Indian workers, who form nearly 70% of visa recipients. The proclamation directly targets IT outsourcing firms.

Petitions missing this payment will be denied. Associated workers will be barred from entering the United States. The policy took effect immediately upon announcement.

Broader Impact on the Tech Industry and National Security

The policy cites a national security threat from visa abuse. It claims the program has been exploited to replace American workers. The goal is to protect domestic STEM employment opportunities.

A notable exemption clause exists within the rules. The Secretary of Homeland Security can waive the requirement. This is allowed if deemed in the national interest and not a security threat.

According to Reuters, the share of foreign STEM workers has doubled since 2000. The administration argues this influx harms U.S. professionals. The tech industry is preparing for a major adjustment.

This new visa fee represents the most dramatic shift in U.S. immigration policy in years. Its implementation will directly challenge the business models of major tech firms and reshape the global competition for skilled talent. The future of the H-1B visa program now hangs in the balance.

Info at your fingertips

Which companies received the most H-1B visas?

Amazon secured the most approvals with over 10,000. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) was second with 5,505. Microsoft, Meta, and Apple rounded out the top five.

What is the new H-1B visa fee?

The Trump administration imposed a new annual fee of $100,000. This payment must accompany all new H-1B petitions to be considered valid under the updated rules.

Are there any exemptions to the new fee?

Yes. The Secretary of Homeland Security can exempt certain individuals or companies. This is permitted if it serves the national interest and poses no security threat.

How will this affect Indian tech workers?

The impact is expected to be severe. Indian nationals constitute approximately 70% of all H-1B visa holders. Many work for the IT firms directly targeted by this proclamation.

What was the reason given for this change?

The administration stated the visa program was being abused. It argued the system replaced American workers with lower-cost foreign labor, calling it a national security concern.

Has the annual H-1B cap been reached for 2026?

Yes. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed it received enough petitions. It met both the 65,000 regular cap and the 20,000 master’s degree cap for fiscal year 2026.

Sources

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Reuters, Associated Press, Hindustan Times