Washington, DC: Thousands of Indian professionals working in the United States on H-1B visas are facing mounting uncertainty following fresh layoffs across major technology companies, including Meta, Amazon and Oracle. With US immigration rules allowing just 60 days to secure new employment after job loss, many are now struggling to retain their legal status and remain in the country.
The situation has intensified amid a broader slowdown in the global technology sector. According to industry estimates, over 1.1 lakh employees have lost their jobs across 144 tech firms in 2026 so far. A significant portion of those affected are believed to be H-1B visa holders, with Indians forming the largest share.
60-day rule puts pressure on workers
Under existing US immigration regulations, H-1B visa holders who lose their jobs are granted a grace period of 60 days to find a new employer willing to sponsor their visa. Failure to do so requires them to leave the country, disrupting not just their careers but also their personal lives.
For many Indian professionals, the stakes are particularly high. Several have spent years, and in some cases nearly a decade, in the US while waiting for green cards amid long backlogs. Many have families, children enrolled in schools, and financial commitments such as home loans.
The abrupt nature of layoffs has left many scrambling to secure new roles within a limited timeframe, often in a challenging hiring environment.
Shift to B-2 visas becoming harder
To extend their stay, some laid-off workers are attempting to switch to B-2 visitor visas, which can allow them to remain in the US for up to six months. However, immigration experts have indicated that this pathway is becoming increasingly difficult.
Authorities are reportedly issuing more Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny for such applications. While the option remains legally permissible, approval rates appear to be declining due to stricter scrutiny.
Immigration professionals note that the volume of such cases has risen sharply in recent months, reflecting the growing distress among affected workers.
Indians most impacted by H-1B dependency
Indians continue to be the largest beneficiaries of the H-1B visa programme. According to official US data for FY25, out of 4,06,348 approved H-1B petitions, 2,83,772 were granted to Indian nationals.
While this dominance highlights India’s strong presence in the global technology workforce, it also underscores a structural vulnerability. A heavy reliance on employer-sponsored visas means that job loss can immediately threaten legal residency.
The issue is further compounded by green card backlogs that stretch for years, leaving many Indian workers in prolonged temporary status despite long-term contributions to the US economy.
Exploring alternative immigration routes
In response to the crisis, many affected professionals are exploring alternative immigration pathways. These include switching to student visas (F-1), applying for O-1 visas for individuals with extraordinary abilities, or seeking L-1 visas through intra-company transfers.
At the same time, countries such as Canada and several European nations are emerging as preferred alternatives. Immigration programmes like Canada’s Express Entry and Global Talent Stream are being actively considered by Indian professionals seeking more stable residency options.
Experts suggest that the current situation may accelerate a broader shift in global talent flows, with skilled workers looking beyond the United States for long-term opportunities.
Layoffs driven by AI restructuring
The latest wave of layoffs has been linked in part to restructuring efforts centred around artificial intelligence. Meta, for instance, has initiated another round of global job cuts as it refocuses resources on AI-driven products and services.
The company is reportedly aiming to create leaner teams with greater efficiency, while simultaneously investing heavily in AI initiatives. Reports indicate that Meta plans to spend over $8.3 lakh crore on AI-related investments this year.
These changes are expected to disproportionately affect roles in engineering and product divisions, further tightening the job market for displaced workers.
Emotional and financial toll on families
Beyond the professional challenges, the crisis is taking a significant emotional toll. Many workers feel uncertain about their future after years of building lives in the US.
Families are now being forced to make difficult decisions regarding children’s education, housing, and long-term plans. The prospect of leaving the country within weeks has added to the anxiety, particularly for those with deep roots in the US.
Experts note that this wave of layoffs is not just an economic issue but also a human one, affecting thousands of families navigating complex immigration systems under pressure.
Conclusion
The ongoing layoffs in the US technology sector have exposed the vulnerabilities of the H-1B visa system, particularly for Indian professionals who form its backbone. With a strict 60-day deadline and limited alternatives, many workers are facing an uncertain future.
As immigration scrutiny tightens and hiring slows, the crisis could reshape global talent movement, pushing skilled professionals to explore opportunities beyond the United States. The coming months will be crucial in determining how both policymakers and companies respond to the growing concerns of this workforce.