Infosys and TCS are the two largest H1B sponsors in the world by petition volume — together filing over 11,000 petitions annually. For many H1B applicants, especially those with consulting offers, choosing between them is a real decision. This comparison uses FY2024 LCA data to break down the differences that actually matter: approval rates, wages, wage levels, lottery odds, and transfer strategy.
| Metric | Infosys | TCS | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024 H1B Filings | 6,200 | 4,800 | Infosys Infosys files 29% more petitions — more total chances but doesn't improve your individual lottery odds. |
| Approval Rate | 94% | 93% | Infosys Both are acceptable. Infosys edges TCS slightly but neither has a material quality advantage. |
| Average H1B Wage | $95K | $90K | Infosys Infosys pays ~6% more on average. Both are well below direct-hire tech norms ($165K+). |
| % Petitions at L3/L4 | 8% | 6% | Infosys Both are extremely low — 92-94% of petitions compete in the worst lottery bucket. Marginal difference. |
| Lottery Odds Rating | Poor | Poor | Tie Both provide terrible lottery odds compared to direct-hire tech (42-68% L3/L4). |
| Geographic Spread | Wide (45+ states) | Wide (40+ states) | Tie Both have broad US worksite footprint for LCA filings across all major metros. |
| USCIS RFE Rate (est.) | ~18% | ~20% | Infosys Both face above-average RFE rates due to third-party placement scrutiny. Industry average is ~12%. |
| Transfer Friendliness | Good | Good | Tie Both process H1B transfers routinely. Neither is known for legal obstruction when employees leave. |
| Immigration Attorney Quality | In-house + firms | In-house + firms | Tie Both maintain substantial immigration infrastructure given their filing volumes. |
| Green Card Sponsorship | Selective | Rare | Infosys Infosys has historically sponsored more PERM cases than TCS, though both are infrequent for non-management. |
Choosing between Infosys and TCS for your H1B is like choosing between two economy seats on the same flight — the destination matters more than which seat. Both companies file 92–94% of their petitions at Wage Level I or II. Under the wage-based H1B lottery, this means you compete in the worst-priority bucket while direct-hire tech employees at Google, Meta, and Nvidia compete in far better buckets.
The Strategy That Works:
The correct framing is not "which consulting firm is better" — it's "can I use either as a bridge to a direct-hire position within 12–24 months?" If yes, accept whichever offers better project-location fit. If you intend to stay long-term, Infosys has a marginally better track record on green card sponsorship, but neither firm should be your plan if green card speed matters.
Infosys
Submits registration — you compete in L1/L2 bucket (92% of filings)
TCS
Same — you compete in L1/L2 bucket (94% of filings)
Infosys
Files full I-129 petition, typically with standard processing unless you negotiate premium
TCS
Files full I-129, standard processing is more common than premium
Infosys
Start date on Oct 1 if approved; LCA specifies worksite (client site or Infosys office)
TCS
Same — Oct 1 start; worksite may be client-specified
Infosys
Usually assigned to a project at a client site. Wage should meet LCA prevailing wage regardless of bench time.
TCS
Same model. Ensure your offer letter specifies guaranteed wages, not 'as billed.'
Infosys
Optimal time to transfer to direct-hire employer. File I-129 transfer, start working on receipt.
TCS
Same. Most experienced H1B workers use TCS/Infosys as a lottery vehicle then transfer.
Infosys
Occasional PERM sponsorship for long-tenure employees in management. Most must self-petition (NIW) or change employer.
TCS
Very rare PERM sponsorship. Most workers must change employer or file NIW for GC.