Biopharma Industry Shifts Away from International Talent as Local Pool Grows

In a significant shift within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, companies are increasingly favoring local talent over international hires. This trend, driven by a combination of factors including recent industry layoffs and changes in visa regulations, marks a notable departure from previous hiring practices.

Declining Demand for International Biopharma Professionals

According to a recent BioSpace LinkedIn poll, over half of the respondents reported a decrease in the proportion of international hires at their companies in recent years. Adam Kaner, senior vice president of RPO and project management at PharmaLogics Recruiting, confirmed this trend, noting a "noticeable decline" in demand for international hires within U.S. biopharma companies.

The primary reason for this shift appears to be the increased availability of local talent, largely due to industry-wide layoffs. Through May 2025, more than 120 businesses have laid off over 12,300 employees, with approximately 6,000 job cuts occurring in the first quarter alone. This influx of experienced professionals into the job market has reduced the need for companies to look abroad for talent.

Visa Challenges and Rising Costs

Compounding the reduced demand for international talent are the tightening of immigration processes, uncertainties surrounding visa approvals, and higher visa costs. H-1B visas, commonly used by biopharma professionals, have seen significant fee increases. In April 2024, the filing fee rose by 70%, from $460 to $780. More dramatically, the registration process fee skyrocketed from $10 to $215 in March 2025, representing a 2,050% increase.

These changes have made it more challenging and expensive for companies to sponsor international employees. A BioSpace LinkedIn poll revealed that 52% of respondents have been attempting to secure visa sponsorship for seven months or longer, highlighting the prolonged nature of the process.

Shifting Strategies and Future Outlook

Despite the overall decline in international hiring, some areas of the industry continue to seek global talent. Data-driven roles in fields such as data science, bioinformatics, biostatistics, and statistical programming remain competitive, with companies still willing to look internationally to fill these positions.

To navigate the changing landscape, some U.S. companies are establishing a presence in Canada or the European Union to more easily access international talent pools. Kaner noted an increase in organizations working with PharmaLogics in Canada over the past two years, as well as a strong life sciences presence in the EU.

Looking ahead, Kaner predicts that the hiring market may return to a more balanced state in about two years, potentially bringing the demand for international biopharma talent back to historical levels. However, he cautions that it is unlikely to match the peak demand seen shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the industry continues to evolve, international biopharma professionals face a challenging job market. Some are even considering leaving the U.S. to find employment opportunities elsewhere, underscoring the significant impact of these hiring trends on the global talent pool.