Technology
TCS can operate independently of H-1B visas and would remain unaffected without them, says CEO Krithivasan.
Published On Mon, 13 Oct 2025
Fatima Hasan
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Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) CEO K. Krithivasan recently clarified that the company is no longer dependent on H-1B visas and can operate successfully without increasing its reliance on this visa category. In a candid interview, Krithivasan explained that TCS has been steadily reducing its use of H-1B visas and instead is focusing heavily on expanding its local workforce in the United States and other global markets such as Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Krithivasan highlighted that TCS already employs a significant number of H-1B visa holders, but the strategy has shifted away from hiring new visa applicants. This approach aligns with evolving industry dynamics and geopolitical factors that have tightened visa issuance. In fact, for this financial year, TCS has used only around 500 H-1B visas for employees traveling to the U.S., a clear decline from previous years when the company received thousands annually. Moreover, the CEO emphasized the companys commitment to rotating H-1B workers back and forth rather than permanent onsite transfers, increasing local hiring as a sustainable, long-term model.
The move to reduce H-1B dependency does not hamper TCS’s growth prospects. On the contrary, Krithivasan pointed out that client sentiment is positive, and the company is investing aggressively in new technologies, especially AI-driven projects. These projects require a diverse blend of skills and closer client collaborations, which is better served by hiring local talent present in client regions. As a result, TCS is scaling up its AI data centers globally while continuing to hire locally to meet these specialized needs.
This strategic shift also reflects a broader industry trend, where major Indian and global IT companies are expected to reduce new H-1B visa hires. Instead, they may leverage L-1 visas more, which facilitate intra-company employee transfers from offshore branches to U.S. locations, reducing dependency on the more complex H-1B visa process. This transition also responds to rising H-1B visa scrutiny and costs, encouraging firms to localize recruitment and focus on talent available in key regional markets.
TCS’s CEO K. Krithivasan’s statement underscores the company’s confident stance that it can thrive without expanding H-1B visa usage. The focus is firmly on building local teams worldwide, leveraging technology to stay competitive, and nurturing client relations through on-ground presence. This makes for a sustainable and future-ready growth model, less vulnerable to visa policy shifts yet well-positioned to harness emerging technology opportunities in AI and digital services.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.