US Jobs Decline? Amazon, Infosys, Others Cut H-1B Visa Sponsorship in 2024

By Surbhi Gloria Singh — New Delhi
4 min read | Last Updated: Nov 21, 2024 | 8:37 AM IST

Leading US companies, including Google, Amazon, Infosys, and IBM, sponsored fewer H-1B visas in 2024, according to data from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The H-1B visa, crucial for international students and skilled foreign nationals, allows employment in the US for up to three years, extendable for another three.

Indians constitute the largest group of H-1B visa holders. However, this year’s data reflects a decline in H-1B sponsorships across almost all major firms.

Why H-1B Visas Matter for International Workers

The H-1B visa offers a pathway for international graduates to remain in the US after their studies. To acquire this visa, applicants need sponsorship from an employer who petitions the USCIS on their behalf.

Historically, technology giants and global consulting firms have dominated H-1B sponsorships, helping thousands of skilled workers secure employment and residency in the US.

Meanwhile, Indians continue to form the largest demographic of H-1B visa holders, as confirmed by USCIS data.

Fewer H-1B Visas Approved in 2024

The USCIS data for FY 2024 (October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024) reveals a decline in H-1B approvals across nearly all top 15 sponsoring companies.

Amazon, while leading in total sponsorships, saw a drop from over 11,000 in 2023 to just above 7,000 in 2024.
Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) also reported substantial decreases. Infosys approvals dropped from 7,300+ to around 5,900, while TCS saw a decline of roughly 1,600 approvals.

No country-wise data is available for 2024 as of now.

2024 H-1B Data vs 2023

Other top sponsors, including Google and Microsoft, showed similar patterns of reduced H-1B sponsorships. Cognizant Technology Solutions and HCL America also recorded four-figure decreases.

Even EY and Deloitte Consulting, major players in professional services and visa sponsorship, saw declines — with EY dropping from over 2,500 to around 2,100 approvals, and Deloitte from nearly 2,700 to around 1,900.

Meta was the exception among the top 15 H-1B sponsors, increasing approvals by about 400, likely tied to its expanding investments in virtual and augmented reality.

In FY 2023, Indians received 72.3% (279,000) of the total 386,000 H-1B visas, while Chinese nationals accounted for 11.7%.

Top Companies Sponsoring H-1B Visas in 2024

Here’s the list of top companies by H-1B visa approvals in 2024:

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

H-1B visa sponsorships in 2023:
Amazon Com Services LLC: 11,299 approvals

FAQs

The decline is linked to economic uncertainty, reduced hiring in tech sectors, and a shift toward remote work that allows companies to hire talent globally without relocation.

Amazon, Infosys, and TCS saw the largest drops, each reducing approvals by thousands compared to 2023 levels.

Yes. Meta Platforms Inc recorded about 400 more H-1B approvals in 2024, likely due to expansion in virtual and augmented reality divisions.

H-1B visas enable skilled foreign workers and graduates to work in the US for up to six years and often serve as a pathway to permanent residency.

In FY 2023, Indians accounted for approximately 72.3% of all H-1B visa holders, highlighting their dominant presence in US skilled employment.

Technology and consulting sectors, traditionally the largest H-1B employers, are most affected due to cost-cutting, automation, and restructuring trends.