When it comes to working in the United States, few visas spark as much debate as the H-1B visa. Designed to allow US companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals—particularly in tech—it has become a gateway for thousands of workers each year. But the distribution of these visas is far from even.
Recent data shows that 73.7% of all H-1B visa approvals between 2020 and 2023 went to India. That’s right—nearly three out of every four H-1B visas issued landed in the hands of Indian nationals. The remaining countries lag far behind, with China securing 16%, Canada around 3%, and other countries like Taiwan, South Korea, Mexico, Nepal, Brazil, Pakistan, and the Philippines hovering under 2%.
This dominance has led to heated discussions. Some call it proof of India’s unmatched supply of skilled tech talent. Others argue it’s a “pipeline problem” that creates a flow of cheap, compliant labor—to the detriment of American workers. So, is the system working as intended, or is it really “rigged”? Let’s break it down.
The Numbers: Who Really Gets H-1B Visas?
According to data highlighted by Bloomberg, India received a staggering 2.3 lakh H-1B approvals between 2020 and 2023. Compare that with:
- China: ~51,000 approvals (16%)
- Canada: 3%
- Taiwan & South Korea: ~1.3% each
- Mexico: 1.2%
- Nepal, Brazil, Pakistan, Philippines: ~0.8% each
It’s not just a small lead—it’s a landslide. If you lined up 10 H-1B visa holders, chances are at least 7 would be Indian.
Why Indians Dominate the H-1B Visa Pool
1. Sheer Talent Supply
India produces millions of engineers, IT specialists, and STEM graduates every year. English proficiency and a strong focus on computer science education mean Indian graduates are already equipped for global tech roles.
2. Outsourcing Giants and Consulting Firms
Companies like Infosys, TCS, Wipro, and Cognizant have entire business models built around securing H-1B visas. They send workers on-site to the US to manage projects for American clients, creating a steady “pipeline” of Indian employees.
3. Cost Factor
Many US companies argue that hiring through H-1Bs allows them to fill roles quickly and competitively. Critics counter that it’s less about talent and more about lower wages. In fact, reports show that H-1B workers in several tech roles are paid less than their American counterparts.
4. Network Effect
Once a significant number of Indians established themselves in Silicon Valley, they created professional networks that made it easier for the next wave to follow. Today, Indian professionals hold leadership roles at Google, Microsoft, Adobe, and more—further fueling demand.
The “Pipeline Problem” Debate
Hany Girgis, an ed-tech entrepreneur, ignited a debate when he called the system “rigged” and described it as a “pipeline of cheap, compliant labour feeding outsourcing firms… while sidelining American grads.”
His point: The problem isn’t just about talent supply, but about how companies use the system.
Critics believe outsourcing firms flood the H-1B lottery system with applications, increasing their odds and crowding out smaller companies or startups that genuinely want to hire specialized workers. This creates an imbalance, where American graduates are often overlooked in favor of cheaper alternatives.
The H-1B Visa Process: How It Works
To understand the controversy, it helps to know how the system functions.
- Employer Sponsorship
The process starts with a US employer filing a Labour Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor. This outlines wages, job duties, and work conditions, ensuring the employer won’t undercut local labor laws. - Registration and Lottery
Once the LCA is approved, employers register their candidates for the annual H-1B lottery. With demand far exceeding supply, this random selection is crucial.
- Regular cap: 65,000 visas
- Master’s cap: 20,000 additional visas for advanced degree holders
- Petition Filing
If selected, the employer submits Form I-129 to USCIS. Approval means the worker gets the visa; rejection sends them back to square one. - Duration and Extensions
An H-1B visa is valid for 3 years, extendable to 6 years. Beyond that, workers must either return home or transition toward permanent residency (Green Card).
The Arguments for H-1Bs
Supporters argue that H-1B workers are essential for the US economy and innovation.
- Many tech companies insist they cannot find enough skilled Americans to fill specialized roles.
- Indian talent has fueled growth in Silicon Valley, contributing to startups, patents, and cutting-edge technologies.
- Several top US tech CEOs—like Satya Nadella (Microsoft) and Sundar Pichai (Google)—once came on student or work visas.
In other words, without H-1Bs, the US risks losing global competitiveness.
The Arguments Against H-1Bs
Critics, however, say the system has been exploited:
- H-1B workers often earn less than American employees in the same roles.
- Large outsourcing firms game the lottery by submitting thousands of applications, leaving smaller employers at a disadvantage.
- The promise of “best and brightest” talent is undermined when workers are hired more for cost efficiency than expertise.
Some go as far as suggesting that H-1Bs should be banned or drastically reduced, encouraging companies to instead train American workers.
Internet Reactions: Divided Opinions
The debate spilled over to social media after Girgis’ comments:
- One user defended the numbers: “It’s simple. Most H-1Bs come from India because that’s where most highly skilled, English-speaking professionals are.”
- Girgis fired back: “If they’re the best and brightest, why are they being paid less than Americans? They’re not hired for talent—they’re cheaper and easier to control.”
- Another user called for a ban: “A lot of these jobs could have gone to Americans. If we’re short of talent, train new ones here in the USA.”
- Others questioned blame: “Should we be upset with Indians—or with the American companies hiring them?”
Clearly, the conversation isn’t just about numbers—it’s about fairness, wages, and the future of work.
What’s Next for the H-1B System?
Immigration reform has been a hot-button issue for decades. With upcoming elections and increasing pressure from both tech giants and labor groups, the H-1B program may see significant changes in the coming years.
Some possible reforms include:
- Raising wage requirements to ensure foreign hires aren’t undercutting American workers.
- Limiting outsourcing firms from dominating the system.
- Prioritizing advanced degrees or specialized skills in the selection process.
- Expanding visa caps to meet actual labor shortages in critical industries.
Final Thoughts
The fact that nearly three-quarters of H-1B visas go to Indians is both a testament to India’s booming tech talent and a sign of systemic flaws in how the US immigration system operates.
For some, it’s proof of opportunity—for others, it’s evidence of exploitation. But one thing is certain: the debate isn’t going away anytime soon. The H-1B visa sits at the crossroads of globalization, labor economics, and immigration policy, making it one of the most important—and controversial—issues in today’s job market.
