Is the H1B visa only for Indians?

It’s one of the most common questions asked by international students, skilled workers, and professionals around the world — and for good reason. In many years, more than 70% of approved H1B visas have gone to Indian nationals. This statistic often leads to the misconception that the program is designed specifically for Indian workers or that applicants from other countries have little to no chance.

But here’s the truth: The H1B visa is open to applicants of every nationality.
There is no country-based preference, restriction, or quota in the H1B program.

So why do Indians dominate H1B numbers? It has nothing to do with eligibility — and everything to do with global workforce patterns, the size of India’s STEM talent pool, and the hiring needs of U.S. tech employers.

In this article, we break down exactly why Indian nationals make up the majority of H1B recipients, how the lottery system truly works, and what applicants from all other countries need to know when planning their H1B strategy in 2025.

Let’s clear up the myths — and explain how the H1B really works behind the scenes.

🧭 Is the H1B Visa Only for Indians? (Myth vs. Reality)

The simple answer is no — the H1B visa is not only for Indians.
The United States does not limit H1B visas by nationality, and the law does not give preference to any specific country. Anyone from anywhere in the world can apply for the H1B as long as they meet the requirements.

So where does this misconception come from?

It originates from statistics, not policy. Over the last decade, Indian nationals have consistently represented the largest share of H1B applicants and approvals, sometimes more than two-thirds of the entire pool. This dominance creates the illusion that the program is reserved for Indian citizens — but that is not the case.

The Reality

• The H1B visa is open to all nationalities

• USCIS does not consider nationality in the lottery

• No country-based cap exists (unlike family-based green cards)

• Anyone meeting the specialty occupation requirements can qualify

The high representation of Indian applicants is the result of global labor demand, not legal preference. In fact, applicants from China, the Philippines, Canada, Europe, South America, and the Middle East also successfully obtain H1B approvals every year.

Bottom line:
The H1B is a global visa — not a country-specific one — and your nationality does not affect your chances in the lottery.

 

🌏 Why Indians Represent the Majority of H1B Holders

If the H1B visa is open to everyone, why do Indian nationals account for such a large percentage of approvals year after year? The answer has nothing to do with immigration policy and everything to do with global talent trends, education pipelines, and U.S. employer demand.

Below are the key reasons India dominates H1B numbers:

1. India Has One of the World’s Largest STEM Talent Pools

India produces millions of graduates in:

• Computer Science

• Engineering

• IT

• Data Science

• Artificial Intelligence

• Cloud Computing

These fields align perfectly with the specialty occupations that qualify for H1B sponsorship.

2. U.S. Tech Companies Depend Heavily on Highly Skilled Indian Workers

Major U.S. companies — especially in Silicon Valley — recruit heavily from India due to:

• Strong technical training

• Large English-speaking workforce

• Experience in software development

• Familiarity with global enterprise systems

This results in Indian applicants being submitted in far larger numbers than any other nationality.

3. Indian IT & Consulting Firms Submit Massive Volumes of H1B Petitions

Companies such as:

• TCS

• Infosys

• Wipro

• HCL

• Cognizant

submit tens of thousands of H1B registrations every year for client-placement roles in the U.S.
This alone significantly increases the proportion of Indian applicants.

4. Many Indian Students Attend U.S. Universities

Indian nationals represent one of the largest groups of international students in the U.S., particularly in STEM graduate programs.
After graduating, they frequently apply for H1B as a next step, especially through:

• OPT

• STEM OPT extension

• U.S. master’s cap exemption

5. The H1B Lottery Reflects Applicant Volume, Not Nationality Bias

Because Indian nationals submit more H1B registrations than any other group, they naturally receive a higher share of the selections.
The lottery itself remains completely random.

6. Global Demand: The U.S. Tech Industry Needs More Talent Than It Produces

The United States faces a shortage of domestic STEM workers.
Indian IT professionals help fill key roles in:

• Cloud architecture

• Cybersecurity

• AI development

• Software engineering

• Data analytics

• Machine learning

This drives U.S. employers to continue sponsoring Indian candidates at high rates.

Key Takeaway

Indian nationals dominate H1B numbers not because the visa is “for Indians,” but because:

1. They make up the largest applicant group

2. They fill high-demand technical roles

3. U.S. employers sponsor them at high volume

It’s a labor-market outcome — not a legal advantage.

🎓 H1B Eligibility Requirements for All Nationalities

While many people focus on country statistics, what truly matters in the H1B process is meeting the legal eligibility criteria — not where you are from. The H1B visa has the same qualification standards for everyone, whether you are from India, China, Canada, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, or anywhere else.

Below are the requirements every applicant must satisfy to qualify for H1B sponsorship:

1. A Specialty Occupation Job Offer

To qualify, the position must require:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher, or

• Its equivalent through education + experience

Common specialty occupations include:

• Software engineering

• IT and cloud computing

• Finance and accounting

• Architecture

• Data science

• Engineering (electrical, civil, mechanical, etc.)

• Healthcare roles (where eligible)

• Scientific research positions

The key test:
The job must require specialized knowledge that typically needs a degree.

2. A U.S. Employer Willing to Sponsor You

H1B is an employer-driven visa.
This means you cannot apply on your own — a U.S. employer must:

• Offer you a qualifying job

• File an H1B petition on your behalf

• Pay the required wage

• Submit all USCIS forms and fees

Your nationality plays no role in this step.

3. The Employer Must File an LCA (Labor Condition Application)

Before submitting the H1B petition, the employer must obtain a certified LCA from the Department of Labor confirming that:

• You will be paid the prevailing wage

• Hiring you will not hurt U.S. workers

• Working conditions meet legal standards

This is mandatory for every H1B employee worldwide.

4. You Must Have the Required Degree or Equivalent Experience

You must meet one of the following:

• A bachelor’s degree related to the job

• A foreign equivalent degree

• A combination of education + 3 years of experience per year lacking

• Professional certifications, in some cases

USCIS evaluates your qualifications — not your nationality.

5. H1B Cap and Lottery Participation (for Most Applicants)

Unless you work for a cap-exempt employer, you must enter the annual H1B lottery.
The cap is:

• 65,000 regular quota

• 20,000 for U.S. master’s graduates

The lottery is completely random and does not favor any nationality.

6. The Position Must Be Full-Time or Equivalently Structured

The job must represent real, ongoing employment.
H1B part-time roles are allowed but must be well-documented.

7. The Employer Must Maintain a Legitimate Employer–Employee Relationship

USCIS must see that the employer:

• Has control over your work

• Can hire, fire, evaluate, or supervise you

• Is a real operational business

This applies equally to every applicant, regardless of nationality.

Key Takeaway

The H1B visa is open to everyone, and eligibility is based solely on your job, your employer, and your qualifications — never your country of origin.

 

🔢 Understanding the H1B Lottery System

To understand why Indian nationals appear so prominently in H1B approvals, you must understand how the H1B lottery works — and more importantly, how it doesn’t work.

Many applicants assume the lottery favors certain nationalities, but the truth is:

**The H1B lottery is 100% random.

Nationality plays no role.**

Below is a breakdown of how the system works in 2025:

1. Annual H1B Cap Limits

Every fiscal year, USCIS may issue up to:

• 65,000 H1B visas under the regular cap

• 20,000 additional visas for U.S. master’s degree holders

This total pool is available to all nationalities equally.

2. Online Registration System

Employers submit a pre-registration for each prospective H1B worker.
This includes:

• Employee details

• Job information

• Employer information

Registrations are relatively low-cost, which increases the number of submissions — especially from large outsourcing firms.

3. Randomized Selection

When total registrations exceed available spots — which they do every year — USCIS conducts a random lottery.
Important facts:

• No country receives preference

• No country is penalized

• No country-specific quota exists

• No priority system based on background or employer

Each registration has the same statistical chance in the selection process.

4. Why Indian Nationals Appear More Frequently in the Lottery

Because Indian nationals represent the largest applicant group, they naturally receive the largest share of selections.
It’s a volume effect — not a nationality advantage.

Example:
If 60% of registrations come from Indian nationals and the lottery is random, then roughly 60% of selections will also be Indian nationals.

This is basic probability, not bias.

5. Master’s Cap Advantage (U.S. Master’s Graduates)

Applicants with a U.S. master’s degree have two chances:

1. First in the 20,000 master’s cap lottery

2. If not selected, a second chance in the 65,000 regular cap

This doubles the probability of selection — and many Indian students complete U.S. graduate STEM programs, increasing their representation.

6. Multiple Registrations Reform

In recent years, USCIS has tightened rules around duplicate registrations to prevent abuse from large consulting firms.
This has helped level the playing field for applicants from all countries.

7. Cap-Exempt H1B Roles Are Not in the Lottery

If you work for:

• A university

• A nonprofit research organization

• A government research institution

you can skip the lottery entirely, regardless of nationality.

Key Takeaway

The H1B lottery does not favor Indians — it simply reflects the global labor market.
Since employers submit more registrations for Indian professionals, more are selected.
But every applicant, from every nationality, has the exact same odds.

🌎 Do Non-Indian Applicants Have a Chance?

 

Absolutely — non-Indian applicants have a strong chance in the H1B lottery, and many succeed every single year. The misconception that the H1B is “only for Indians” leads many professionals from other regions to underestimate their chances or avoid applying altogether.

The truth is simple:
Your nationality has zero impact on your probability of selection.
What matters is the overall volume of applicants, not where they are from.

Let’s break this down clearly.

1. H1B Approval Statistics Include Many Other Countries

 

While India has a large share of approvals, thousands of H1Bs go every year to nationals from:

• China

• Canada

• Philippines

• Mexico

• Brazil

• United Kingdom

• France, Germany, and the EU

• Australia & New Zealand

• Middle Eastern countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, etc.)

• South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore

• Latin American countries (Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, etc.)

The H1B visa is used by employers across every U.S. industry, not just tech.

2. Smaller Applicant Groups = Less Competition Internally

One reason Indian professionals dominate the lottery is because they represent the largest applicant group, not because the system favors them.

This actually means:
Applicants from smaller countries—like Canada, France, South Korea, or Brazil—face less internal nationality competition, because fewer people from their regions apply.

Their chances are just as strong statistically.

3. Non-Tech Applicants Are Also Approved

While Indian applicants often work in IT, non-Indian applicants are frequently sponsored for roles in:

• Finance & Banking

• Engineering

• Architecture

• Healthcare

• Research

• Accounting

• Marketing Analytics

• Biotechnology

• Academia

• Automotive & Manufacturing

U.S. employers sponsor talent based on skills, not nationality.

4. U.S. Master’s Degree Holders Have Higher Odds (Regardless of Country)

If you studied in the U.S. and earned a master’s degree, you get:

• One chance in the advanced degree lottery

• A second chance in the regular lottery

This doubles your chances — and applies to every nationality equally.

European, Canadian, Chinese, African, Middle Eastern, and Latin American students all benefit from this rule.

5. Cap-Exempt H1Bs Ignore the Lottery Entirely

Applicants from any country can bypass the H1B lottery if hired by:

• A U.S. university

• A nonprofit research institution

• A government research entity

These roles allow year-round H1B sponsorship with no cap and no nationality restrictions.

6. Many Countries Have High H1B Approval Rates Per Capita

When adjusting for population size, countries like:

• Canada

• Germany

• France

• Japan

actually have higher approval rates per capita than India, because fewer people apply.

Key Takeaway

Non-Indian applicants absolutely have a chance — often a very strong one. The H1B program is completely global, and success depends on:

• Having a qualifying job

• An employer willing to sponsor

• Meeting the degree requirements

• Passing the lottery (random for all)

Your nationality is never a factor.

🏢 Employer Sponsorship Patterns and Why They Matter

If the H1B program is open to everyone, why does it look like it favors Indian nationals?
The answer lies in employer sponsorship patterns — specifically who is sponsoring, how many registrations they submit, and which industries rely most heavily on H1B talent.

Understanding these patterns helps explain the demographics of the H1B workforce and gives insight into why the program appears India-dominant despite being nationality-neutral.

1. Tech Companies Submit the Majority of H1B Registrations

The U.S. tech industry drives most H1B demand.
This includes roles such as:

• Software developers

• Data scientists

• Cloud engineers

• Machine learning specialists

• Cybersecurity analysts

• QA engineers

Because Indian professionals make up a large share of the global tech workforce, they naturally appear more frequently in H1B filings.

2. Large Indian IT Consulting Firms Submit Massive Volumes

Companies such as:

• TCS

• Infosys

• Wipro

• HCL

• Cognizant

submit thousands to tens of thousands of H1B registrations every year.
This alone dramatically increases the proportion of Indian applicants — even though the program itself is not targeted toward India in any way.

These firms operate project-based models, where workers are deployed to U.S. client sites, generating high sponsorship volume.

3. U.S. Tech Giants Also Sponsor a Large Number of Indian Nationals

Companies like:

• Amazon

• Google

• Meta

• Microsoft

• Apple

• Salesforce

• Oracle

hire Indian engineers and data professionals at high levels due to:

• Strong STEM backgrounds

• English proficiency

• Experience with global development teams

• Alignment with U.S. tech skill needs

This naturally increases Indian representation in H1B filings.

4. Non-Tech Fields Sponsor a Diverse Range of Nationalities

While tech is India-dominant, other sectors show more global diversity, including:

• Finance and banking (often European and Canadian applicants)

• Academia and research (high Chinese, Korean, and Middle Eastern representation)

• Healthcare (Filipino, African, and Caribbean applicants)

• Engineering and manufacturing (Japanese, German, and Latin American applicants)

This is why applicants from many regions succeed — even if they don’t appear in the top statistics.

5. Offshore Consulting Companies Inflate Applicant Numbers

Indian outsourcing companies often submit multiple registrations for large teams, boosting volume.
This is not based on nationality preference — it’s due to business model structure.

USCIS reforms in recent years have targeted duplicate or fraudulent filings, helping balance the applicant pool.

6. U.S. Employers Choose Candidates Based on Skills, Not Country

Companies sponsor H1Bs to fill shortages in:

• Software development

• Engineering

• Data analysis

• Research

• Advanced healthcare roles

• Financial modeling

• Architecture

• Scientific innovation

Global applicants who meet these skill requirements are equally eligible for sponsorship.

Many non-Indian applicants obtain H1Bs through U.S. startups, universities, hospitals, and specialized firms.

7. Master’s Cap Employers Are Mixed Nationalities

U.S. universities produce STEM graduates from around the world, including:

• China

• South Korea

• Saudi Arabia

• Brazil

• France

• Nigeria

• Pakistan

• Mexico

These students compete equally for the U.S. master’s quota — and often have stronger odds than overseas applicants.

Key Takeaway

The reason Indian nationals dominate H1B numbers is not legal preference — it’s employer behavior.
Tech companies and global IT consulting firms recruit heavily from India, leading to high registration volume.

But applicants from all other regions are equally eligible, and thousands obtain H1B approval every year through employers in:

• Finance

• Healthcare

• Academia

• Engineering

• Manufacturing

• Research

• Professional services

The H1B program is global — workforce patterns, not rules, shape the demographics.

🔍 Common Myths About the H1B Visa

The H1B visa is one of the most misunderstood U.S. immigration programs.
Because so many Indian professionals receive H1Bs, people assume the program is designed for Indian nationals — but this is not true.
Let’s break down the most common myths that create confusion for global applicants.

Myth 1: “The H1B visa is only for Indians.”

False.
The H1B is open to all nationalities.
Indians are overrepresented because they make up the largest share of global STEM talent and because Indian IT consulting firms submit the most applications — not because the system favors them.

Myth 2: “The lottery gives preference to certain countries.”

False.
The H1B lottery is completely random.
Nationality is never considered.
Each registration has identical odds regardless of country.

Myth 3: “Only tech workers can get an H1B.”

False.
While tech roles dominate filings, H1Bs are approved every year in:

• Finance

• Accounting

• Engineering

• Healthcare

• Architecture

• Scientific research

• Education

• Analytics

• Marketing

• Manufacturing

Any specialty occupation can qualify.

Myth 4: “You must be in the U.S. to apply for the H1B.”

False.
You can apply from anywhere in the world.
Many H1B applicants file directly from their home countries.

Myth 5: “Only large companies can sponsor H1B visas.”

False.
Small businesses, startups, nonprofits, universities, and research institutions all sponsor H1B workers.
The key requirement is a legitimate specialty occupation.

Myth 6: “The H1B is nearly impossible to get in 2025.”

False.
While competitive, thousands of applicants from all nationalities receive approvals every year.
Applicants with U.S. master’s degrees and cap-exempt employers have even stronger chances.

Myth 7: “Approval depends on nationality.”

False.
Approval depends solely on:

• Job qualifications

• Employer credibility

• Degree requirements

• USCIS compliance

Your passport has nothing to do with approval.

Myth 8: “H1B workers replace U.S. workers.”

False (and a common misconception).
Employers must pay the prevailing wage, ensuring fairness to U.S. workers.
Additionally, many H1B roles fill critical shortages in specialized fields where U.S. worker supply is limited.

Key Takeaway

The H1B visa is widely misunderstood.
Nationality has no effect on eligibility, selection, or approval.
The program is skill-based, employer-driven, and open to professionals from every part of the world.

 

🌐 Alternatives to the H1B Visa for Global Applicants

While the H1B is one of the most popular U.S. work visas, it is not the only option — especially for applicants frustrated by the lottery system.
Fortunately, there are several powerful alternatives that professionals from any nationality can use to work or live in the United States.

Below are the strongest alternatives to the H1B visa in 2025.

⭐ 1. O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)

Ideal for:

• Highly accomplished professionals

• Researchers

• Engineers with achievements

• Artists, designers, creatives

• Entrepreneurs with recognition

Requirements include:

• Evidence of achievements

• Awards or publications

• High-level expertise

• Media coverage, significant contributions

No lottery and no annual cap.

⭐ 2. TN Visa (For Canadians & Mexicans Only)

A special option under the USMCA agreement.

Benefits:

• Extremely fast processing

• No lottery

• Renewable indefinitely

• Low cost

Available for professions such as:

• Engineers

• Scientists

• Accountants

• Teachers

• Medical professionals

• Analysts

⭐ 3. E-2 Investor Visa

For entrepreneurs from treaty countries who want to invest in and run a U.S. business.

Benefits:

• Fast approval

• Renewable indefinitely

• Low investment compared to EB-5

• Allows spouse work authorization

Applicants from:

• Canada

• UK

• Turkey

• Japan

• South Korea

• Spain

• Italy

• Most EU countries

frequently use this option.

⭐ 4. L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa

For employees moving from a foreign company to a U.S. branch.

Two types:

• L-1A for managers and executives

• L-1B for specialized knowledge employees

Benefits:

• No lottery

• Leads to EB-1C green card for L-1A

• Works for multinational companies

This is a strong option for global professionals employed abroad.

⭐ 5. EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver)

A green card option for professionals whose work benefits the United States.

Benefits:

• Self-petition

• No employer sponsorship needed

• No job offer required

• Strong alternative for STEM workers

Popular among:

• Researchers

• Engineers

• Data scientists

• Healthcare professionals

• Entrepreneurs

⭐ 6. H1B Cap-Exempt Roles

Avoids the lottery entirely.

Cap-exempt employers include:

• Universities

• Nonprofit research organizations

• Government research institutions

Benefits:

• Apply anytime

• No cap

• No lottery

A significant number of non-Indian professionals obtain H1Bs through these institutions.

⭐ 7. J-1 Visa (Training or Research)

Used by:

• Scholars

• Medical residents

• Researchers

• Trainees

Some categories allow conversion to H1B or green card later.

⭐ 8. EB-5 Investor Green Card

For applicants willing to invest:

• $800,000 in a TEA project, or

• $1,050,000 in a standard project

This leads directly to a green card and includes family members.

Key Takeaway

The H1B visa is only one of many pathways to work or live in the United States.
Professionals from all nationalities can choose from multiple alternatives based on:

• Career level

• Skills

• Achievements

• Investment capability

• Employer type

For many global applicants, these alternatives offer faster, more reliable, and more strategic options than the H1B lottery.

✅ Conclusion

So, is the H1B visa only for Indians?
The answer is clear: No. The H1B is open to applicants from every nationality, and there is no preference, quota, or advantage built into the system for any specific country.

Indian nationals dominate the H1B program not because the visa is India-specific, but because of global workforce trends, the massive size of India’s STEM talent pool, and high sponsorship volume from both U.S. tech companies and Indian IT consulting firms.
This creates the appearance of a nationality bias — but the system itself remains completely neutral.

The H1B lottery is random.
Eligibility is the same for everyone.
Approval is based on your job, your employer, and your qualifications — never your passport.

Whether you are from China, Canada, the Philippines, Brazil, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, or anywhere else, your chances are identical when your employer submits your registration.

And if the H1B doesn’t work for you, dozens of alternatives exist, including:

• O-1 extraordinary ability

• L-1 intracompany transfer

• E-2 investor

• TN for Canadians/Mexicans

• EB-2 NIW self-petition

• Cap-exempt H1B roles

• EB-5 investment routes

The United States remains one of the world’s most accessible destinations for skilled global talent.
The key is choosing the right pathway — and building a strategy based on your background, not misconceptions.

If you’re considering the H1B or evaluating alternatives, understanding the facts will put you on the strongest path toward your U.S. career and immigration goals.

 

🔗 Further Links

Explore these additional resources to deepen your understanding of the H1B visa system and related U.S. immigration pathways:

🏛️ Official Government Resources

• USCIS – H1B Specialty Occupations, Petitions, and Cap Information
  https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations-and-fashion-models

• Department of Labor – Foreign Labor Certification (LCA Requirements)
  https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla

• USCIS – H1B Cap Season Information and Updates
  https://www.uscis.gov/h-1b-cap

• USCIS Policy Manual – Employment-Based Immigration Guidance
  https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual

🌏 Related Blog Posts on the American Visa Law Group Website

• What Is the H1B Lottery and How Does It Work?
  https://usavisalaw.com/immigration-blog/h1b-lottery-explained

• EB2 NIW vs H1B: Which Is Better for Skilled Professionals?
  https://usavisalaw.com/immigration-blog/eb2-niw-vs-h1b

• O1 Visa vs H1B: Which Is Right for Your Career?
  https://usavisalaw.com/immigration-blog/o1-vs-h1b

• Can E2 Visa Be Converted to a Green Card?
  https://usavisalaw.com/immigration-blog/can-e2-visa-be-converted-to-green-card

• How Many Citations Do I Need for EB1A?
  https://usavisalaw.com/immigration-blog/how-many-citations-do-i-need-for-eb1a

• EB1 vs O1 Visa: Are They the Same?
  https://usavisalaw.com/immigration-blog/eb1-vs-o1-visa-are-they-the-same

• Is EB1B Easier Than EB1A?
  https://usavisalaw.com/immigration-blog/is-eb1b-easier-than-eb1a

• Can EB1C Be Applied From India Without L1A?
  https://usavisalaw.com/immigration-blog/can-eb1c-be-applied-from-india-without-l1a

📚 Additional Helpful Immigration Resources

• Study in the USA – Visa Guidance for International Students
  https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov

• U.S. Embassy & Consulate Visa Appointment Information
  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html

Department of State – Visa Bulletin Updates
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html