Google: Check on H-1B Visa Costs — Tech Giant to Set Up Mega Campus in India

Recent changes introduced by the United States in the issuance of H-1B visas have made the hiring of foreign professionals increasingly challenging for technology companies. Against this backdrop, global tech giant Google is reportedly taking a major strategic step. Instead of waiting for visas and government approvals, the company is preparing to significantly expand its operations within India. As part of this move, Google is planning to establish a large campus in Bengaluru, according to a Bloomberg report.

The report states that Google is developing a mega campus in Whitefield, one of Bengaluru’s leading technology corridors, with the capacity to accommodate around 20,000 employees. Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has already leased one office tower and is currently in discussions to lease two more. Together, the three towers are expected to span approximately 2.4 million square feet. Operations at the first tower are likely to begin within the next few months, while construction of the remaining two towers is expected to be completed by next year. Alphabet has officially confirmed the lease of the first building. At present, Google employs nearly 14,000 people in India. Once the Whitefield campus becomes fully operational, India could emerge as the central hub for Google’s operations outside the United States.

With global competition intensifying in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), technology companies are increasingly focusing on India. The country is fast emerging as a key center for market development and advanced engineering activities. AI firm Anthropic has already launched its operations in India and companies like Google are also moving in the same direction. Meanwhile, stricter H-1B visa regulations introduced by the Trump administration are influencing corporate expansion strategies. The requirement of a USD 100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications has forced companies to reassess their long-term hiring plans. For many firms, expanding operations within India has become more economically and strategically viable than relocating Indian professionals to the United States. Avoiding visa delays and high costs appears to be a key factor behind Google’s new campus plans, according to industry observers.