US companies cut H-1B visa sponsorships in 2024: Here’s who is most dependent on immigrants

An analysis of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data for 2024 shows a marked reduction in H-1B visa sponsorships by leading U.S. companies. Despite Indian nationals continuing to dominate the H-1B visa pool, major tech firms have significantly reduced their approvals, signaling a possible shift in hiring strategies.

The H-1B visa program has long been a critical tool for U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialized roles, especially from India. However, the latest data suggests a decline in dependence on this pathway. Firms are increasingly exploring alternatives or focusing on domestic talent.

Top H-1B Sponsors in 2024
USCIS data reveals the following as the top 10 H-1B sponsoring companies in 2024:

1. Amazon Com Services LLC: 9,265 approvals
2. Infosys Limited: 8,140 approvals
3. Cognizant Technology Solutions: 6,321 approvals
4. Google LLC: 5,364 approvals
5. Tata Consultancy Services Limited: 5,274 approvals
6. Meta Platforms Inc: 4,844 approvals
7. Microsoft Corporation: 4,725 approvals
8. Apple Inc: 3,873 approvals
9. HCL America Inc: 2,953 approvals
10. IBM Corporation: 2,906 approvals

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Key Trends in Sponsorship Numbers
Amazon, which remains the largest H-1B sponsor, saw a steep decline from over 11,000 approvals in 2023 to just above 9,000 in 2024. Indian IT firms, including Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), also recorded substantial reductions. These firms, known for their extensive U.S. operations, now face tightening visa allocations, which may influence their hiring strategies in the future.

The fiscal year 2024 (October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024) highlights a broader trend of decreased visa approvals across nearly all top 15 sponsoring companies. Observers suggest this could reflect a shift towards leveraging domestic talent or adapting to evolving regulatory landscapes.The decline in H-1B sponsorships by top firms may shape future immigration policies and talent strategies in the U.S., with ripple effects likely to influence global tech hiring trends.