Starting in September 2025, new H-1B visa applications will cost $100,000, making it significantly harder for many Indian professionals to access this once-viable work visa. With tougher U.S. immigration policies, many skilled workers are now exploring more stable and secure alternatives.
Interest in employment-based green cards such as EB-1A and EB2-NIW is rising sharply. The EB-1A visa is designed for individuals with extraordinary skills in fields like science, business, arts, education, or athletics. This visa does not require employer sponsorship; instead, applicants must prove they meet at least three out of ten strict criteria showing national or international recognition. Another appealing option is the EB2-NIW (National Interest Waiver), which grants green cards to qualified individuals whose work benefits the U.S.
Recent data shows a substantial increase in EB-1A applications, with thousands submitted in just one quarter. Given their strong presence in the U.S. visa system, Indian professionals are expected to make up a large portion of this growth.
EB-1A offers key advantages: faster processing, self-petitioning, and no need for a job offer, making it ideal for high-achievers seeking immigration independence. As tech layoffs continue and job security becomes uncertain, Indian talent is shifting toward options that offer long-term residency and peace of mind.
With the growing costs and declining certainty of the H-1B program, EB-1A and EB2-NIW are becoming the preferred pathways for highly skilled Indians pursuing opportunities in the United States.
