Accenture Reportedly Plans 12,000 Jobs with New Andhra Pradesh Campus as H-1B Costs Rise

Accenture is reportedly planning a major expansion of its India presence with a new campus in Andhra Pradesh, a move that could generate roughly 12,000 jobs. This potential development comes as the U.S. imposes sharp increases on H-1B visa fees, putting financial pressure on IT firms heavily reliant on global mobility. 

According to reports, the consulting and technology services giant has requested about 10 acres of land in Visakhapatnam for the project. State officials have signaled strong interest, noting that while final approvals may take time, the proposal is likely to move forward. India is already Accenture's largest workforce hub, hosting more than 300,000 of the firm’s 790,000 employees worldwide. 

While the scale of Accenture's potential investment remains unclear, industry watchers see the expansion as a strategic hedge against rising overseas operational costs and regulatory challenges, particularly in the U.S. 

Industry Momentum in Visakhapatnam

Accenture isn’t alone in looking to Andhra Pradesh for growth. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Cognizant have also announced new facilities in Visakhapatnam, capitalizing on a state policy that leases land at a nominal cost to large employers. Together, these projects are expected to create around 20,000 jobs in the region. 

Cognizant has pledged about $183 million for its campus, while TCS has earmarked over $154 million. For Accenture, such a move would align with a broader industry trend of shifting investment into India’s tier-two cities, where government incentives and a growing talent pool create attractive conditions for expansion. 

Summary:

Accenture’s proposed campus in Visakhapatnam underscores the IT sector’s strategy to expand domestic operations amid rising U.S. visa costs. If approved, the project will add 12,000 jobs, strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s growing role as a technology hub alongside major investments by TCS and Cognizant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Accenture expanding in Andhra Pradesh now?

Accenture’s move is seen as a strategic response to rising U.S. H-1B visa costs and global regulatory pressures. By expanding in India, the company can access a large talent pool at lower costs while reducing reliance on overseas workforce mobility.

2. How many jobs will the new campus create?

The proposed campus in Visakhapatnam is expected to add approximately 12,000 jobs, further cementing India’s position as Accenture’s largest workforce hub.

3. What is special about Andhra Pradesh’s policy for IT firms?

The state government offers land leases at a highly subsidized rate—₹0.99 per acre—to large companies that commit to creating jobs. This policy has already attracted other IT majors like TCS and Cognizant.

4. How does the U.S. H-1B visa fee hike affect IT companies?

Starting September 2025, the U.S. will impose an annual $100,000 fee on H-1B visas. This could significantly increase operating costs for IT firms that depend on sending Indian professionals to work in the U.S.

5. Are other IT companies making similar moves in Visakhapatnam?

Yes. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Cognizant have both secured land under the same state policy. Together, their upcoming campuses are projected to generate around 20,000 jobs in the region.

6. How significant is India in Accenture’s global operations?

India is home to more than 300,000 of Accenture’s 790,000 employees, making it the company’s largest talent base worldwide.

7. How much will Accenture invest in the new Andhra Pradesh campus?

The exact investment amount has not been disclosed yet. However, considering the scale of operations, industry observers expect a substantial commitment in line with peers like Cognizant ($183 million) and TCS ($154 million).