Anirudh Gopal

For years, many of us in the tech industry have watched brilliant minds move to the US on H-1B visas. The recent fee increase, however, is a signal that this path is about to get much more difficult and costly. I believe this could be a turning point. We may see a "reverse brain drain" where top-tier talent, instead of looking outward, chooses to build their careers and companies right here in India. This, combined with the pressure on global firms to cut costs, points directly to a massive expansion of Global Capability Centers (GCCs). This is our chance to solidify India not just as a service hub, but as a genuine global center for R&D and high-value work. The talent is here; the opportunity is now. #H1BVisa #IndiaTech #TechTalent #BrainDrain #GCC #GlobalCapabilityCenters #ITServices #MadeInIndia #IndiaOpportunity #TechJobs

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After nearly a decade-long innings at Amazon, today I’m wrapping up one of the most formative chapters of my career. What I’m taking with me is a toolkit of learnings that fundamentally reshaped how I think, operate, and lead. 1. Unlearning is a superpower. My first year felt like switching from pace to spin mid-run-up—documents over PPTs, inputs over outputs, mechanisms over fixes. It pushed me to question habits I assumed were “normal” and rebuild my approach from the ground up. 2. Mechanisms > intent. Good intentions don’t scale—systems do. Amazon’s discipline of codifying problems, getting to true root causes, and building mechanisms that prevent repeat errors taught me to trust structured thinking over memory or goodwill. It’s a muscle I’ll rely on everywhere. 3. Customer obsession is not a slogan; it’s a lens. Every decision, debate, and doc centered on one question: “What’s right for the customer?” In the early days, we faced multiple moments where customer experience and financial impact collided—and customer experience won. Every single time. That clarity rewires how you make decisions. 4. Treat mistakes as data, nothing more. One of my earliest reviews cemented this. We documented a multi-million miss and the mechanism to ensure it never happened again. I walked in bracing for a grilling. Instead—silence. No blame, no theatrics. If there’s no value to add, move on. That mindset unlocks both psychological safety and speed. 5. Leaders raise the standard quietly. The best leaders I worked with didn’t just direct—they elevated thinking. In one meeting, when a team hesitated to commit to a tough idea, a leader simply asked, “What needs to be true for this to happen?” And then rolled up their sleeves to help make those conditions real. 6. Teams are your real competitive advantage. Somewhere along the journey, it became clear that the only way to achieve more was through the team—the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. My teams took every challenge head-on, had the tough conversations without flinching, and celebrated wins—big and small—with equal energy. I may have walked in feeling like a cultural misfit, but I’m walking out with an Amazonian mindset that will stay with me for life. I’m deeply thankful to those who wittingly and unwittingly mentored me along the way — Kapil Hathi, Harsh Goyal, Manish Bajoria, Gaurav Jain, Dipro Chatterjee, Rahat Patel, Dr Karuna Shankar Pande On to the next innings—grateful, grounded, and carrying these learnings forward.

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As a founder who want to be in the US for building my company, this is what it meant there is insane panic over the h1b issue, here are the updated facts you should know about - this only applies to the new applications, so if you already in h1b , you are good to go and your renewal will not be changed to 100k, it is the old pricing - if you are already a student studing with f1 visa with otp, you are under old pricing -this fee increase is not annual but is charged per approved petition. - for people who change jobs with transfer, you get the previous pricing, even if you re enter the us , there is no possible change - but if you are coming to study after september 21, aka today, when your employer applies h1b, you are in the new slab , paying 100k usd - same with people coming over directly via h1b and starting a new h1b in the usa from a new employer tldr: people already in the us, either in job or student , there is nothing to worry about, as you are in the old slab for new ones, it is hard as it gets what about founders and startups who want to be in SF for building in AI bootstraping - i want to self fund my h1b , but as a new application, we need to pay the 100k - the better one is O1, which is hard to get, and need to show abilities and funding for the startup - L1, but there is significant infra and process needed for it - or give a 800k - million dollars for EB 5 the only option i see here is get biz upto a million or more, and self sponser this might work for established players, but for startups , if there is a better option, that will help us to build

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*The H-1B visa system faces intense pressure from high demand, layoffs, and lengthy green card processes, creating uncertainty for skilled workers*. Recent data and rules confirm the challenges outlined, amid ongoing tech sector cuts. H-1B Cap and Lottery The annual H-1B cap stands at 85,000 visas (65,000 general plus 20,000 for U.S. advanced degree holders), overseen by USCIS. For FY 2026, USCIS received nearly 344,000 registrations but selected only about 120,000 for petitions, yielding a selection rate below 35% due to anticipated dropouts. Demand far outstrips supply, with fraud measures reducing multiple entries. Layoff Grace Period H-1B holders get a 60-day grace period after job loss to find a new sponsor, change status, or depart, per USCIS rules under 8 CFR § 214.1(l). No work is allowed during this time without a new H-1B receipt notice, and it applies once per validity period. After the 60-day grace period ends without a new H-1B sponsor or status change, H-1B holders enter a period of unlawful presence, limiting U.S. options but offering some pathways abroad or via adjustments. File for a change of status before the period expires to dependent visas like H-4 (if spouse holds H-1B), F-1 student, or B-2 tourist, though these restrict work. Compelling circumstances EAD is rare and discretionary, requiring extreme hardship proof. No new employment authorization exists post-grace without prior filing. Departing promptly avoids accrual of unlawful presence, which triggers reentry bars after 180 days In a cooling market with 2025 tech layoffs affecting thousands (especially Indians), securing sponsorship within 60 days proves difficult. PERM Labor Certification Delays PERM processing by the Department of Labor averages 16-17 months (around 500 days) as of early 2026, with audits adding more time. Layoffs prompt employers to pause filings, risking missed deadlines and loss of status. Prevailing wage determinations add 4-8 months upfront. Broader Impacts Experts highlight how these constraints drive talent away, harming U.S. innovation in AI and tech, with offshoring as firms avoid high fees and risks. Green card backlogs exceed 1.8 million cases, prolonging limbo for H-1B holders. Reforms like merit-based selection are proposed to retain skilled workers.

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Initially, the H-1B proclamation came as a shocker. Now it’s an advantage for existing H-1B holders, particularly for product managers and director-level candidates. The U.S. will now charge $100k per new H-1B visa, and the supply of international talent is expected to drop. But the demand for experienced product managers will not. Companies still need leaders who can drive strategy, scale products, and align teams. And when they look around, the most “ready-to-hire” candidates are the ones already here on valid H-1Bs. (That's you) That scarcity is shifting the market. I’ve seen my product manager-level clients: - Command 30–40% higher compensation packages - Land interviews at companies that previously passed on them - Get promoted or hired directly into leadership tracks (even skipping levels) But none of this happens automatically. Just because the market is tilted in your favor doesn’t mean a company will hand you the role or the raise. You have to show them you’re worth the premium. And that requires a shift in how you operate. You need to: - Position yourself as the person who sets strategy, not just executes it - Step out of your immediate team and make your impact visible across the org - Walk into interviews already acting like the leader they want to hire For many of my clients, these shifts have been the difference between plateauing at “senior Product Manager” and landing $300K–$900K+ leadership roles, even in a so-called bad market. If you’re a product manager on an H-1B, this is your window to land your next-level role with a raise. -> Share this with someone who's an H-1B and feeling stuck. -> Follow me for actionable advice and take your career to the next level with $300k-$900k+ leadership roles.

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💡 A thought on openness and opportunity Currently we often discuss rising H-1B visa fees or restrictions in the US and how such policies make life difficult for skilled immigrants. But if we look closer to home, many of our own metro cities have similar undercurrents. Whether it’s, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune or Delhi — politics, policies, and local sentiment sometimes make it harder for people from other states to feel welcome. It’s not just about rents or job quotas; it’s about the overall attitude of inclusiveness. Cities, like economies, thrive when talent flows freely. Diversity fuels innovation, and openness attracts opportunity. If we expect other countries to welcome our professionals, perhaps we should also reflect on how welcoming we are within our own borders. 🤝 #h1b #tarrifs #jobs #India

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Is CGPA really that important? How do I get into Product Management during summer placements? It’s mid-June – MBA season kickoff at IIMs! Last week, I had the opportunity to be back at my alma mater – #IIMB – to welcome the incoming PGP 2025–27 batch. During my interactions, the above questions came up again and again. Here’s my take – simple and honest: Yes, CGPA matters. Especially your Term 1 grades. Recruiters see it as a signal – not just of capability but of the effort you’re willing to put in. While clubs, events, and side projects are exciting (and important!), don’t lose sight of academics. Want to stand out for PM roles? Build something. Alongside case prep and frameworks, actually creating something gives you a huge edge. Find a real problem. Discover a use case. Prototype. Launch. Get feedback. Iterate. Even 10–20 real users who engage with your product is a compelling story to share in summer interviews. To the incoming batch – good luck and enjoy the ride! #IIMB #MBA #ProductManagement #SummerInternships #CampusToCorporate #CareerAdvice #PGP2527

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The U.S. H1B visa fee increase to $100,000 has sent ripples through the global talent ecosystem, especially impacting Indian professionals and companies. In moments like these, it’s essential to resist knee-jerk panic and instead focus on the long view. This development serves as a wake-up call for Indian industry and talent: the external environment may shift, but our capability to adapt is what truly defines us. While the immediate effect will be challenging—forcing companies and individuals to rethink strategy—the bigger opportunity may lie in turning adversity into innovation at home. India’s strengths in digital transformation, AI, and engineering remain in high demand worldwide. If access to the U.S. narrows, Indian companies and professionals can use this moment to champion new global markets, invest in local R&D, and build remote-first teams that transcend borders. The road ahead might look different, but it is paved with potential. Change is inevitable; resilience is a choice. For India’s workforce and leadership, this is the time to double down on skills, open new pathways.

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Many laid-off professionals ask: “Can I switch from a B-2 visa back to H-1B without leaving the U.S.?” It is possible — but the process is often misunderstood. In this podcast, Sameer Khedekar from Vanguard Visa Law shares key insights you should know before making a move. 🎥 Watch the full breakdown here: https://lnkd.in/gsG6pqbT Disclaimer: Any information we provide on this forum is not legal advice and there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the individual answering your question. The answers may change based on the specific facts and circumstances of your situation. For specific advice on your situation, please contact an attorney immediately.

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Suggestions for H1B friends who are already their in US and not immediately affected by this 100K H1B fee: You are not safe just because you don't immediately need a renewal or travel outside of US. Companies will eventually make policies that impact all H1Bs. . You are lucky as you have some time to execute the below suggestions to come out ahead, while you still can: - Dispose all your assets in the US while there is still time. Do NOT delay this. - Start with hard assets like houses. Dont wait to maximise the profit. US housing market can collapse any time and H1B sell off can trigger it. The first movers will get out fine. Accept the first good offer you get and move to a small rental. Sell off useless furniture. - If your family members are dependents, send them back to India asap. Schooling can be worked out. - Buy an apartment or plot of land in India if you don't have one already. - Sell off expensive cars and get a used cheap car. - Move money from US stock market and invest in Gold ETFs in India. Unlike US ETFs, Indian ETFs have equivalent physical gold. This will protect your investment from US-INR conversion volatility. - Get out of crypto. Holding crypto while in India is going to be a regulatory hassle. - Avoid paying for expensive tuition in the US if your kids are not US citizens or expected to be GC holders by the time they graduate. There are good private colleges in India they can go to. - Apply for a role in GCC in India if your company has an Indian GCC or apply for roles in Dubai or Singapore or other GCCs in India. Being stuck in the US with no path to GC and unable to change jobs or visit your family is mental torture. Don't prolong the suffering. Wisdom is knowing when to cut the losses. .

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US tech firms investing billions in AI had the most new H-1B petitions in FY 2025. “In FY 2025, the top 7 Indian-based companies had only 4,573 H-1B petitions approved for initial employment, a 70% drop from FY 2015.” This may confound H-1B critics. Another interesting fact: 28,277 different employers in the United States were approved to hire at least one new H-1B visa holder in FY 2025. Sixty-one percent of employers were approved for a single H-1B petition, and 95% were approved for ten or fewer new H-1B petitions in FY 2025. Over half of new H-1B petitions went to employers with 15 or fewer approvals for H-1B petitions for initial employment. #h1bvisa #h1b #immigration

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If this H1B executive order goes through - based on the reactions of a few people I spoke to in the US this morning - I strongly recommend that 90% of students do not go to the USA for now. Only the top 10% - the highly talented - should still consider it. One person literally told me: “Don’t send anyone to the US now.” Students should start exploring other countries such as Ireland, Singapore, Germany, UAE, Australia, and more, which are becoming attractive destinations for higher education.

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What an honor hosting Gokul Rajaram Thanks Gokul for spending time with the Antler Embark founders from 🇮🇳 🇸🇬 And sharing your insights gathered from decades of leadership at Doordash, Square, Coinbase, Pinterest, Google and Facebook! - with Gowri Shankar Nagarajan ⚡️💡Some great points captured by the group.. * Selling before building - even more important now in the world of AI * Each sales call is a product dev call * Visualise your GTM as narrow hyper-focus, then concentric circles * Compound products will become more important - the first product might not be the best wedge, but the 2nd/3rd might be * Impossible to build something great without founder-led sales for the first $1M-$10M * Be the second startup that hires from corporate work at :) (don’t be their first startup journey) * Big difference between hunters vs talkers / people who are only convert existing demand gen at large cos * Create your personal Advisory Board of 5 founders (incl. those who sell to the same customer but not competing) * Customers between the coasts are much less pinged by tech startups - get on a ✈️ ! * SaaS in the #AI age is “service as a software”, in selling, quickly get to the labor spend / pools you can replace * Sales cycles are shortening as more connection with labor cost savings * With AI, the trilemma of speed, cost, quality no longer unsolvable * Just ask - don’t worry about being too polite! Antler Karan Prasad Rajiv Srivatsa Jivitesh Jadwani Yoeven D Khemlani Rishabh Goel Dinara A. Moksh Garg Rebhav Bharadwaj Kanishka Thakur Ronak Massand Ayush Agarwal Vaibhav Saxena Yue (Lawrence) Xu Gaurav Pansari Anurag Ram Chandran Sayanta Ghosh

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