Faced with increasing restrictions and higher costs associated with H-1B visas, many Indian professionals are now shifting towards EB-1A visas in their pursuit of a stable future in the United States. This transition is largely driven by the recent rise in H-1B application fees—which will reach $100,000 starting September 2025—and strict immigration policies, especially under former President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on reducing employment-based immigration.
EB-1A visas are designed for individuals with exceptional abilities and offer more independence, as they do not require employer sponsorship. This makes them highly attractive, especially in times of heightened tech layoffs and job uncertainty. Additionally, professionals are showing growing interest in the EB2-NIW (National Interest Waiver) category, which provides permanent residency to skilled workers in areas critical to the country’s interests.
According to recent data, there has been a notable 56% rise in EB-1A applications in the first quarter of FY25, totaling 7,338 applications. Immigration experts highlight that the unpredictability of the H-1B process is pushing both workers and employers to seek more reliable and long-term solutions.
Boundless Immigration CEO Xiao Wang emphasizes this shift, stating that high-achieving professionals are now prioritizing control and long-term planning in their immigration choices. The EB-1A route represents a more predictable and secure pathway to permanent residency in the U.S., especially as traditional routes become more uncertain.
