US Tech Layoffs Force Thousands of Indian IT Professionals Home Amid Stricter Visa Rules

IT Layoffs in America: Thousands of Indian Professionals Return Home as Visa Rules Tighten

The Cliff News | September 3, 2026 Thousands of Indian Information Technology (IT) professionals have been forced to return to their home country after losing their jobs in the United States, a consequence of large-scale layoffs in American tech companies and increasingly stringent visa regulations.

According to the latest figures, over 15,000 Indian professionals returned from the US in 2025, and approximately 9,700 in 2024. This trend is expected to continue. Several significant reasons are cited for the homecoming of these Indian professionals, including the expiration of grace periods after job loss, long waits for Green Cards, and stricter rules concerning work permits.

Risk of Losing the 60-Day Grace Period After Job Loss

Currently, if an H-1B visa holder loses their job, they are granted a 60-day grace period to find a new sponsor. However, the US administration is proposing to eliminate this 60-day grace period entirely. If this proposal is enacted, individuals will be required to leave the US immediately upon losing their jobs, severely limiting their options to stay in the country.

A 179-Year Wait for Green Cards

A recent report from the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) reveals that over one million Indian nationals are stuck in the employment-based Green Card backlog in the United States. Under the current circumstances, the waiting period for Indian applicants in the EB-2 category has reached approximately 179 years. This excessively long waiting period is diminishing hopes for permanent residency, compelling many professionals to return to India.

Tightening of Work Permit (EAD) Rules

The increased stringency in work permit regulations in the US is also exacerbating difficulties for Indian professionals. A proposal to eliminate the H-4 EAD (work permit) for spouses of H-1B visa holders has resurfaced, potentially creating a severe crisis for dual-income families. Furthermore, the 540-day automatic work permit extension for pending visa renewals has also ceased. Consequently, professionals must stop working immediately if there are delays in visa renewals.

Increasing Visa Cancellations and Rejections

In recent times, the US has also been undertaking large-scale cancellations of B1/B2 (Business and Tourist) visas for individuals seeking asylum. Over 70,000 Indian citizens may come under scrutiny and potential impact within this process, making their status in the US even more uncertain.

Considering all these factors, thousands of Indian tech professionals who have been victims of layoffs are now opting to move to India's burgeoning tech hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, rather than trying to remain in the US.