Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
Bengaluru/Hyderabad, September 30, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump’s new H-1B visa restrictions are expected to push American companies to move more critical work to India, industry experts and economists say. This move could strengthen India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs), which now handle high-value work in technology, finance, research, and development.
Visa Curbs and Their Impact
Trump recently raised the cost of new H-1B visa applications to $100,000, a sharp increase from the previous range of $2,000 to $5,000. These visas are used by U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers, especially in tech and specialized roles.
Along with the higher costs, U.S. lawmakers have introduced bills to tighten H-1B and L-1 visa rules, targeting loopholes and potential misuse by big companies. These changes are putting pressure on American firms that rely heavily on foreign talent for their operations.
India’s Role in Global Business
India is home to 1,700 GCCs, making up more than half of the world’s total. These centers have moved beyond basic tech support to become innovation hubs, working on tasks such as designing luxury car dashboards, developing new drugs, managing finance, and handling cybersecurity.
Experts say India’s GCCs are now well-positioned to take on more strategic work. “GCCs serve as a ready in-house engine for companies. Plans are already underway for moving high-value work here,” said Rohan Lobo, partner and GCC industry leader at Deloitte India.
What Work Could Move to India?
Industry insiders predict that U.S. firms may shift jobs related to:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Cybersecurity
Product development
Analytics and research
Instead of outsourcing this work to other countries, companies are likely to keep strategic functions in-house by using their Indian GCCs. This trend may increase innovation and higher-value work in India.
GCCs Evolving into Strategic Hubs
GCCs were originally set up for tech support and back-office tasks. Over the years, they have matured into centers of innovation and strategy, capable of handling complex projects for global companies. Experts say the recent U.S. visa curbs could accelerate this evolution, giving India a bigger role in global corporate decision-making.
“GCCs are uniquely positioned for this moment. They blend global expertise with strong local leadership,” added Rohan Lobo. The trend is already visible in sectors such as financial services and technology, especially in companies with exposure to U.S. federal contracts.
Opportunities and Challenges for India
This shift of work to India could bring more high-value jobs and boost the country’s economy. At the same time, companies will need to manage challenges such as:
Training skilled workers for advanced roles
Maintaining data security and compliance for U.S. clients
Expanding infrastructure to support more complex operations
Despite these challenges, experts believe India’s GCCs are ready to handle strategic and innovation-led projects, helping U.S. companies continue operations despite tighter visa regulations.
Looking Ahead
If U.S. visa restrictions remain in place, India is likely to see significant growth in GCCs, with more American companies relying on Indian talent for critical work. This trend may also encourage investment in technology, AI, and cybersecurity skills across the country, positioning India as a global hub for high-value corporate work.
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