Indians account for over 70% of approximately 85,000 H-1B visas issued annually in America which is primarily for specialised IT and engineering roles. Indians account for over 70% of approximately 85,000 H-1B visas issued annually in America, which is primarily for specialised IT and engineering roles. Why O-1 visa is replacing H-1B for top tech talentSome significant H-1B visa holders in the past include Sundar Pichai, Google and Alphabet’s CEO and Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO and Chairman. Frederick believes the O-1 to be a “better path” for “qualified individuals” in comparison to the H-1B visa as the O-1 visa continues to be up in the 90% and above approval rate.” Whereas an H-1B visa has a 25-30% approval rate, depending on the odds of winning a lottery. But reality struck in 2007 when Bahl’s H-1B visa application was rejected.

Source: Indian Express March 11, 2026 12:22 UTC