Amazon Leads in H-1B Visa Sponsorship Amid New Regulations
In a significant shift in the landscape of H-1B visa sponsorship, Amazon has emerged as the leading employer of foreign workers in the United States, surpassing traditional giants like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys. This development comes at a time when the U.S. government has implemented new regulations that could dramatically increase the costs associated with hiring foreign talent.
New Regulations Impacting H-1B Visa Costs
As of September 21, 2025, U.S. companies seeking to employ foreign workers on H-1B visas will be required to pay a fee of $100,000. This move, announced by the Trump administration, aims to curb what has been described as “systemic abuse” of the H-1B visa program, particularly by IT outsourcing firms. The administration has characterized the misuse of this program as a “national security threat,” asserting that it undermines job opportunities for American workers.
The U.S. Secretary of Commerce has stated that these changes are designed to encourage companies to prioritize hiring American talent over foreign workers. This policy shift is particularly concerning for the Indian diaspora, which constitutes nearly 70% of H-1B visa holders in the U.S.
The Landscape of H-1B Visa Sponsorship
According to federal data, Amazon leads the pack with 10,044 H-1B visa holders. Following Amazon are several other major tech companies, including:
- Tata Consultancy Services LLC – 5,505 H-1B visa holders
- Microsoft Corporation – 5,189
- Meta Platforms – 5,123
- Apple Inc. – 4,202
- Google LLC – 4,181
- Cognizant Technology Solutions – 2,493
- JP Morgan Chase and Co. – 2,440
- Walmart Associates Inc. – 2,390
- Deloitte Consulting LLP – 2,353
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reported that it had already received enough petitions to meet the congressionally mandated cap of 65,000 H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2026, along with the 20,000 visas allocated for individuals with U.S. advanced degrees.
Historical Context of the H-1B Visa Program
The H-1B visa program was established in 1990 to allow U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. Over the years, it has become a vital pathway for skilled professionals, particularly in the technology sector. However, the program has faced criticism for being exploited by companies that prioritize cost-cutting over the hiring of American workers.
In recent years, the program has been the subject of intense scrutiny, with various administrations proposing reforms aimed at tightening eligibility and increasing costs. The Trump administration’s latest measures are among the most stringent to date, reflecting a broader trend of nationalism in U.S. immigration policy.
Implications for Tech Companies and the Workforce
The new regulations are expected to have far-reaching implications for tech companies that rely heavily on foreign talent. The increased costs associated with H-1B visas may lead some companies to reconsider their hiring strategies, potentially opting for domestic talent or exploring alternative visa options.
Moreover, the changes could exacerbate existing labor shortages in the tech industry, where demand for skilled workers continues to outpace supply. As companies grapple with these new financial burdens, the landscape of tech employment in the U.S. may undergo a significant transformation.
Conclusion
As Amazon takes the lead in H-1B visa sponsorship, the implications of the Trump administration’s new regulations are becoming increasingly clear. The requirement for a $100,000 fee could reshape the hiring practices of tech companies, particularly those that have historically relied on foreign talent. As the U.S. navigates these changes, the future of the H-1B visa program remains uncertain, with potential consequences for both the tech industry and the broader economy.
