With tech layoffs in the U.S., is the H1B Visa still as attractive for skilled workers as it was five years ago, or has its appeal decreased?

I’d argue the H1B Visa’s appeal has stayed roughly the same. Yes, layoffs have created short-term challenges, but those are part of cyclical economic changes. The U.S. economy has always bounced back, and so has demand for skilled talent. In fact, layoffs might even create new opportunities. Many skilled workers laid off from big companies move into startups or entrepreneurial ventures, which can be just as rewarding. For ambitious professionals, the H1B is still a ticket to playing in the biggest innovation arena in the world. So, while there’s more uncertainty today, the overall attractiveness of the H1B Visa hasn’t diminished significantly in my view.

From a global perspective, the H1B Visa is still one of the most recognized work permits in the world. Even if the U.S. is going through layoffs, the long-term career benefits of working there are undeniable. Experience in Silicon Valley or a U.S.-based multinational still carries huge weight internationally. That said, the appeal has decreased in relative terms because alternative countries have stepped up their game. Canada’s Global Talent Stream, for example, allows skilled workers to move quickly and gain permanent residency within a few years. Compared to that, the H1B Visa looks rigid and uncertain. So, while still attractive, it’s now just one option among many rather than the undisputed number one.

I think the attractiveness of the H1B Visa depends on perspective. For professionals already established in their home countries, the U.S. may not be worth the gamble anymore. But for fresh graduates or those early in their careers, it’s still a dream opportunity. Despite layoffs, the scale and diversity of opportunities in the U.S. remain unmatched. Even if some companies are cutting jobs, others are hiring aggressively in emerging fields. So while the risks are higher, the rewards are also still significant. In short, the appeal hasn’t disappeared — it has just become more complex, requiring people to weigh risks versus rewards more carefully.

Honestly, the H1B Visa has lost a lot of its charm. When I talk to friends in India and China, many of them now prefer Canada, Germany, or Australia because those countries offer clearer residency pathways and job security. The U.S. is seen as unpredictable, with constant policy changes and risks. Tech layoffs make things worse. Imagine uprooting your life, moving to the U.S., and then being laid off within a year, with only 60 days to find a new job. That’s terrifying. For many professionals, the risk outweighs the reward now. So yes, I’d say the H1B Visa is still desired, but definitely less attractive than five years ago.

I believe the H1B Visa is still attractive, though maybe not as much as it once was. Despite layoffs, the U.S. remains a hub for innovation, especially in areas like artificial intelligence, biotech, and finance. For many skilled workers, the opportunity to work in the U.S. is not just about the job, but also about exposure, networking, and long-term career growth. However, the uncertainty has definitely increased. Layoffs hit H1B holders harder because their visa is tied to employment. If they lose their job, they have just 60 days to find another employer or they must leave the country. This instability makes some skilled professionals hesitant to apply. That said, for many, the U.S. is still the land of opportunity, and the H1B Visa is their gateway. While its shine has dimmed slightly, it’s far from losing its appeal entirely.