Here’s how the top H-1B sponsor is turning to India as Trump tightens visa rules
Google’s parent company Alphabet is planning to significantly increase its presence in India with the possibility of acquiring large office space in the country’s technology hub, Bengaluru, Bloomberg reported. The company has reportedly rented an office tower and also purchased two more spaces in East Bengaluru.
Why is Alphabet increasing its presence now?
The latest development comes at a time when US President Donald Trump’s administration is tightening visa rules, especially within the framework of the H-1B visa program. Increased visa scrutiny is making it increasingly difficult for American companies to bring in skilled foreign workers. As a result, India is now emerging as a crucial destination for global tech hiring.
Alphabet’s India expansion plan to boost hiring
According to the report, Alphabet’s expansion plan in the country could create at least 20,000 new jobs, provided it acquires all three towers. This will increase the company’s workforce in the country, which currently accounts for approximately 14,000 of the total 190,000 employees Alphabet has worldwide.
Where is Alphabet expanding in Bengaluru?
According to the report, Alphabet has leased an office tower at Alembic City in East Bengaluru, a major commercial development in Whitefield, and has optioned for two more spaces. Together, the three towers cover an area of approximately 2.4 million square meters. The first of the three currently leased towers is planned to be opened to employees in the coming months, while the construction of the remaining two towers is expected to be completed next year.
The tech giant currently has offices in various cities in India, including Mumbai and Gurugram, and its largest base is Bengaluru.
US visa restrictions impact hiring
The expansion plan comes at a time when US immigration policies are tightening under Donald Trump. Previously, in January, the administration announced that it was pausing immigrant visa processing indefinitely for applicants from 75 countries. Since returning to office, Trump has sought to limit both legal and illegal crossings into the country. Moreover, in September 2025, the Trump administration announced a staggering $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications; This has made it more costly for companies to bring skilled foreign workers to the United States.
A series of punitive measures announced by the Trump administration have forced technology companies to strengthen their teams outside the United States. According to a Bloomberg report, India, with its large pool of skilled engineers, has become the most sought-after destination, especially for AI roles.
According to US government data, Alphabet is among the largest sponsors of H-1B visas.
India affected by H-1B visa fee increase
The staggering fee increase for new H-1B visa applications to $100,000 from the previous range of $2,000-$5,000 has hit hardest Indians, who dominate the H-1B program, accounting for more than 70% of recipients in recent years. China came in second with only 12% of beneficiaries.
According to a report by BBC, the H-1B program has become an aspiration tool for Indians, enabling small-town coders to earn dollars. For the US, on the other hand, this meant injecting talent that populated labs, classrooms, and startups.
Indian workforce is on the rise in the US
Today, many technology companies, including Google, Microsoft and IBM, are headed by executives of Indian origin. Indian doctors make up about 6 percent of the physician workforce in the United States.
India’s total workforce at major US tech companies grew by more than 16% last year, the highest increase in three years, according to staffing firm Xfeno Pvt. Companies include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Meta and Netflix.
