Visa Holders Rethink Jobs in Big Tech Amid Layoffs

Big Tech’s layoffs prompt visa holders to reconsider job choices, raising concerns about job security and immigration implications in the US.

As Vinit Juneja embarked on his career as a software engineer at Amazon last year, he understood that transitioning to a more appealing role could be on the horizon. However, witnessing two rounds of layoffs that cut roughly 30,000 positions made job security a critical concern. “I realized that no one’s safe,” Juneja stated.

Juneja, who came to the US from India for graduate studies in 2023, holds an F-1 STEM OPT visa. This means that losing his job without securing a new position could force him to leave the country—a stark reality that fueled his job search.

While exploring new career pathways, Juneja found a suitable role as a technical product manager at Applied Materials, a semiconductor equipment manufacturer. This position not only aligned better with his professional objectives but also appeared to offer a more stable future compared to Big Tech companies. He accepted the offer in April.

Juneja’s experience reflects a broader trend among visa holders, who are increasingly reevaluating their roles in Big Tech amidst a series of significant layoffs. Collectively, Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, and Apple have announced job cuts affecting over 100,000 workers since 2022.

This shift in employment preferences could significantly affect Big Tech, which has come to depend on foreign talent. Data reveals that the prominent seven companies, including Amazon and Microsoft, have had over 200,000 H-1B visa applications approved since October 2020.

Business Insider has connected with individuals caught at a crucial career crossroads—whether due to layoffs, resignations, job searches, or evolving workplace dynamics. Earlier this year, Ayush Raj Jha sought a more senior software engineering position that felt more secure than his previous role at Oracle. As an H-1B visa holder from India, Jha is among many in the tech sector grappling with the uncertainties presented by layoffs.

“There’s constant fear and uncertainty,” Jha noted, articulating the sentiments shared by many.

Between January and July, tech companies laid off nearly 150,000 employees—over three times as many as any other industry, according to the career transition firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Jason Finkelman, an immigration lawyer based in Austin, shared that many of his clients are proactively seeking guidance on immigration strategies amid this economic instability.

Rohit Srinivasa, another immigration attorney in Los Angeles, has seen a rise in visa holders switching jobs due to these security concerns.

Beyond merely switching employers, some visa holders are starting their own businesses or leaving the United States altogether. Divij Kishore, an attorney based in New York, explained that certain clients are exploring visa options that would allow them to pursue entrepreneurship instead of depending on an employer. Others are considering relocating to countries like Canada, Australia, or Europe, effectively contributing to a “brain drain.”

Despite the challenges, many visa holders still regard large tech firms as prime venues for career growth. Competitive salaries, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to work on high-impact projects remain enticing. Some have raised concerns that smaller firms may pose an even greater risk of instability.

Companies like Amazon provide dedicated legal teams for managing immigration processes, which instills a sense of assurance for employees regarding their visa status. Abhinav Bohra, an H-1B visa holder who has worked as a data scientist at Amazon since 2019, expressed, “At companies like Amazon, we know that our visas and our documents are handled by experts, so it feels much safer.”

This comfort can make the decision to leave a prestigious tech job even more challenging.

Last September, Chong opted to forgo a long-term future in the United States. After departing Microsoft, he returned to Canada to create a startup focused on AI sales agents. “For me, leaving Microsoft to start a business is a decision I don’t think my future self will regret, even if I fail,” Chong said.