61% Indians want international jobs without leaving India: Indeed report

As visa pathways tighten and mobility grows more complex, Indian professionals are increasingly building global careers from home rather than moving overseas, a new Indeed report has found, increasingly so.

India’s role in global talent flows remains massive, with approximately 35.4 million non-resident Indians and persons of Indian origin, according to Foreign Ministry data from May 2025.

United States figures show over 70% of H-1B visas are awarded to Indian nationals.

The study gathered insights from 552 employers and 1,019 employees across India and global markets. It found 61% of Indian professionals are now more inclined to seek global remote roles than relocate overseas.

At the same time, 49% say they would continue working from India if their preferred visa pathway is unavailable.

CAREERS BUILT WITHOUT MOVING

Despite this shift, international ambition remains strong. 44% of professionals still value international careers, although 51% believe working abroad offers advantages hard to replicate locally, particularly early in a career.

Uncertainty about visa rules has grown. Just 15% of professionals said they clearly understood visa rules, leaving many unsure about realistic timing for a move.

This uncertainty has hit early- and mid-career talent hardest, where timing and stability matter most.

“What we’re seeing is a shift from ‘move first, build later’ to ‘prepare first, move later or not at all’. Skills, experience, and global exposure are increasingly being built before geography changes,” said Sashi Kumar, Managing Director, Indeed India.

EMPLOYERS FEEL THE SQUEEZE

Nearly one in two employers, 47%, said a significant portion of their United States teams depend on visa-linked talent.

Those affected reported rising hiring costs, fewer approved visas, higher legal and compliance overheads and delays in delivering client projects.

Entry-level hiring has suffered most: 55% of employers said early-career roles are first to be affected.

Almost a third of employers reported skilled professionals choosing alternatives such as Canada, the United Kingdom and parts of Europe. Germany was singled out, with 47% of professionals naming it as a preferred non-United States option.

ADAPTING STRATEGIES AND JOB SEEKER RISKS

Forty-one percent of employees would consider switching employers if it improved the chances of an overseas transfer.

Employers have responded: more than half are investing in preparing Indian teams for international exposure, and 46% report improved retention and workforce growth.

The study also found 39% of professionals are actively preparing for global opportunities through upskilling, certifications and international networking, often without a clear expectation of immediate relocation.

Employers dependent on visa-linked talent face risks to project delivery and rising costs, while firms testing local hiring, hybrid models and vendor partnerships are still seeking a stable model.

The study was conducted in November 2025 among 552 employers and 1,019 employees across India and global markets.