Why Are Many Indians on H-1B Leaving the U.S.? A Pattern of Reverse Migration?

The United States has undoubtedly been the most important magnet for Indian aspirants and professionals. And, one of the real anchors for many Indians’ career dreams was the H-1B visa. However, after the latest fee imposition and increasing screening and vetting, many Indians are at a crossroads of ending their dreams unrealized.

The rising pattern of reverse immigration in this sense raises important questions about both of the nations and the possible underlying causes of this reverse immigration.

Here, our EB-1A consultants have analysed this trend in detail.

Indian involvement in the H-1B and the disruptions

Indians account for around 71% of all H-1B visa approvals alone in the fiscal year of 2024. While this dominance does reflect the abundance of tech talents in India, it has also put India under a certain stereotypical crosshair.

Once, the Trump administration’s public policy introduced the mountainous H-1B fee, Indian lives overseas took a few major blows.

According to a report by the Times of India, published late last year, many Indians’ dream of career and growth got thwarted amidst all the tumult of public policy. And, they had to return to India to reinvent their life.

Recent LinkedIn data has shown a sharp increase (around 40%) in tech workers changing their location to India in the Third quarter of 2025. A report by Bloomberg has also demonstrated the same.

The policies that drove many aspiring youths to despair are none other than the 100 thousands dollar visa fee and the recently imposed social media vetting policy.

To get a clear idea of how professionals have been impacted at the most grassroots level, no better source can suffice than their own voices and career stories.

Real stories of Indian professionals and their experiences

The Times of India has reported a bunch of narratives from H-1B professionals. Taking a look at them will inform us better about the state of H-1B employment in the U.S.

Arnav Mehta, who earned an MBA from Stanford University and returned to India last year in September, has told TOI: ‘International students face more scrutiny, get fewer job offers and have limited career flexibility.'

In the same sentiment, Sruiram Varun Vobilisetty of Stanford and Kanika Rajput of MIT Sloan have expressed indecision and uncertainty over whether to remain in the U.S. or reinvent their careers in India while waiting for immigration approvals.

Alongside this renewed desire to settle back in India, there is also the renewed awareness of the immense potential for growth and career avenues in India. This sentiment was heard in the voice of Tony Klor, a US-trained entrepreneur now based in Bangalore: “There is a depth of developer talent and an openness to innovation here. India is a sleeping giant. The word is getting out.”

A renewed surge in demand for EB-1A green card: “Einstein Visa”

Amidst all the uncertainty surrounding the H-1B visa, an interest in the EB-1A green card, otherwise known as the ‘Einstein visa’, has surged in an exemplary way. Federal data shows that EB-1A petitions have almost tripled over four years.

According to CBS News, nearly 7500 EB-1A applications were filed between April and June 2025. This data shows a significant rise in comparison to the 2,500 applications in the final quarter of 2021.

Despite the cap and the long waiting times, the EB-1A green card is emerging as a feasible alternative for many international aspirants. Yet, this visa is reserved for the cream of the cream who can demonstrate a measurable, extraordinary impact. Moreover, Federal law tends to cap employment-based visas at 140,000 annually, and no more than 7 per cent is allocated to nationals of any single country.

Our EB-1A experts believe the Einstein visa is not out of reach for the industry experts, and they can very well secure it by demonstrating their sustained acclaim.

At GCEB1, we mentor all professionals to explore H-1B alternatives through merit-based pathways. And, when H-1B is under a looming crisis, we are actively encouraging professionals to reach out to us with their queries regarding career in the U.S.

We wish you a safe and stress-free immigration journey!

Sources & Further Readings

1. CBS News.“Demand for High-Achiever Visas Fuels a Pay-to-Play Industry for Scientific Research and Accolades.” CBS News, January 14, 2026.
2. Times of India. “40% Increase in Tech Professionals Moving from US to India amid H-1B Row, LinkedIn Data Shows.” Times of India, January 2026.
3. Hindustan Times. “H-1B Visa Survey Shows Rising Anxiety among Indian Professionals in the US. Here Are the Major Concerns."Hindustan Times, January 2026.
4. Times of India. "Trump’s H-1B Visa Move: End of the Road for Indians’ American Dream? How Fee Hike May Help India Retain Talent." Times of India, December 2025.