A bold advertising campaign by a US-based artificial intelligence recruitment firm has become the talk of the campus at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D). At a time when anxiety over stricter US visa norms is high, the firm's hoardings carry a defiant message: "We still sponsor H-one-Bs" and "One hundred thousand dollars isn't going to stop us from hiring the best."
Context: The Trump Administration's Visa Crackdown
This campaign arrives against the backdrop of a significant policy shift from the United States. The Donald Trump administration has initiated a substantial crackdown aimed at curbing perceived 'abuse' of the H-1B visa programme. This visa category is crucial for technology firms and other companies seeking to employ highly skilled foreign workers in the US.
A key change announced in September 2025 is a dramatic increase in fees for new H-1B visa applications. Under the new proclamation, certain H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025, must now be accompanied by an additional fee of USD 100,000. Indian professionals, who form one of the largest groups of H-1B visa holders, are directly impacted by this move.
Student Sentiment: From Fear to Relief
For IIT-Delhi students in the thick of the placement season, the hoarding has resonated deeply, offering a glimmer of hope. Many had feared that the exorbitant new fee and stricter vetting would make companies hesitant to hire fresh graduates from India, preferring experienced candidates instead.
Rohan Gupta, a BTech student at IIT-Delhi, found the ads encouraging. "I saw the post on social media... It was very good marketing. It gave us an assurance that companies still believe in Indian students, even if visa rules become stricter," he said.
Another student, Priya, viewed the viral message as validation of Indian talent. "People everywhere know how strong Indian students are when it comes to tech and AI. So, seeing a company openly say it will keep sponsoring visas really feels comforting," she remarked.
The Value of Global Exposure
Students highlighted the irreplaceable value of international work experience, especially for those from middle-class backgrounds for whom the high visa fee is a genuine concern. Arjun, a BTech student, explained, "We want to work in India for sure. But the exposure one gets abroad, in a diverse and fast-moving environment, is different. Strict visa rules are a big setback. So companies offering sponsorship is a huge thing for us."
The overall mood on campus during placements is a blend of excitement and apprehension, and this bold marketing stunt has amplified those emotions. It serves as a powerful reminder of the high demand for IIT-caliber talent, even in a challenging regulatory climate.
The incident underscores IIT-Delhi's continued status as a premier recruiting ground for global firms, despite evolving immigration policies. The firm's clear message attempts to cut through the uncertainty, positioning it as a committed employer for top Indian tech graduates aiming for careers in the United States.
