The United States may be preparing for one of its most significant immigration shifts in years. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has reintroduced the HIRE Act, a proposal that seeks to double the annual H-1B visa cap from 65,000 to 130,000, at a time when global competition for skilled talent is intensifying. The move stands in sharp contrast to former President Donald Trump’s suggested $100,000 one-time H-1B application fee, signalling a renewed willingness to attract high-skilled professionals - particularly from India, which accounts for 71% of all approvals.
But is America genuinely reopening pathways for global talent? And what does this mean for Indian students and professionals aiming for US careers? To understand whether this proposal marks a genuine reopening of America’s doors, we spoke to Saurabh Arora, Founder & CEO of University Living, who tracks global student mobility and workforce trends.
‘Positive signal, not a full shift’: What the HIRE Act really means
According to Arora, the proposal is encouraging, but must be read with nuance. “It is a positive policy signal, but not a complete shift. It tells us more about the direction being considered than the final outcome,” he explains.
“Access to high-skilled talent is back on the policy agenda, but the current system of 65,000 general visas plus 20,000 for US advanced degree holders remains unchanged.”
Arora notes that discussions around stricter oversight and significantly higher filing costs, including the widely discussed $100,000 fee idea, may complicate the picture.
Still, the interest among Indian professionals remains unwavering.
“Indians have consistently secured around 70–73% of all H-1B approvals. In FY2024, this was about 2.8 lakh approvals out of 4 lakh total petitions. Aspirations haven’t declined, only caution has increased.”
Doubling the cap: Who actually benefits?
If implemented in its current form, the HIRE Act could meaningfully expand opportunities for Indian professionals.
“Doubling the cap could enable an additional 45,000 to 50,000 Indian professionals to secure visas each year, assuming the distribution pattern holds,” Arora says.
But he adds a reality check. “This benefit is not guaranteed. If the system still relies heavily on a lottery and filing costs rise sharply, smaller employers may be unable to participate. A higher cap creates room, but predictability will determine whether that room translates into real access.”
In other words, the expansion is significant only if accompanied by a practical, transparent selection mechanism.
Will more Indian students choose the US again?
The US remains the top-choice destination for Indian students, especially in STEM. But families are now more strategic.
“A higher H-1B cap will improve interest, particularly for tech-led courses. Work opportunities after graduation are central to education decisions today,” Arora says.
However, he notes that students have become far more organised and risk-aware:
- Applying earlier
- Prioritising skill-relevant programs
- Preparing finances and documentation well in advance
- Keeping backup destinations ready
Countries like New Zealand, Germany, France, Japan, the UAE and others are increasingly part of the consideration set, not as replacements for the US, but as contingency options.
“A higher cap can strengthen confidence, but long-term trust depends on predictable transitions from study to work, not just a bigger quota,” he emphasises.
A shift in talent geography, not talent itself
Arora believes the HIRE Act won’t redefine India–US talent flows, but it will influence where innovation happens.
“Indian professionals are central to US tech and engineering. That collaboration will continue irrespective of policy fluctuations,” he says.
“What changes with the HIRE Act is whether this innovation happens inside the US or through offshore teams, GCCs and remote models.”
If the Act leads to a stable, streamlined pathway from education to employment, it could strengthen innovation happening within the US.
If not, companies may increasingly shift high-skilled work to India or nearshore hubs, while still drawing on the same talent pool.
“The partnership will continue either way. The geography of impact is what will shift,” Arora concludes.
Bottom line
The HIRE Act is a welcome signal, not a guaranteed turning point. For Indian students and professionals, it revives optimism, but also demands caution. The promise of doubling H-1B visas is meaningful, but its success ultimately rests on predictability, affordability and practical implementation.
If the US follows through with a stable framework, it may well re-establish itself as the world’s most attractive destination for high-skilled global talent. If not, the competition from other countries, and the rise of India-based innovation hubs, will only accelerate.
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