The United States has long been the dream destination for highly skilled professionals, especially Indians. Estimates suggest that in 2023 alone, over 72% of the 380,000 H1B visas issued went to Indian workers, mostly in STEM fields. While landing an H1B visa is a golden ticket to global career opportunities, the journey isn’t easy. Many aspirants drop out before even applying, discouraged by the hurdles in the process.
One such overlooked challenge is English proficiency testing, which, while not an official USCIS requirement for H1B visas, plays a crucial role in securing job offers and meeting employer expectations. Many US employers, particularly in STEM, healthcare, and legal sectors, require proof of strong English skills. Additionally, some professional licensing bodies mandate minimum scores on standardized English tests.
For those in regulated professions, such as healthcare workers, proving English fluency is a strict requirement under the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) or CGFNS International. Even outside regulated fields, many US employers set their own English language benchmarks to ensure clear workplace communication.
Now, a recent Pearson survey has shed light on a surprising concern—many Indian test-takers fear their English proficiency test scores may be influenced by factors beyond their actual skills. From the notion that a neutral or American accent can boost scores to concerns about skin color bias and even the impact of formal attire, the findings expose deep-seated perceptions of bias in language assessments.
Over 62% of respondents believe their accent could work against them when evaluated by a human examiner. These worries highlight the need for a more objective and fair assessment system—one that focuses on actual language proficiency rather than appearance, pronunciation, or unconscious biases.
The survey, based on responses from 1,000 individuals preparing for English proficiency tests, reveals a picture of the challenges Indian test-takers face as they chase global career opportunities.
Key Findings of the Survey
The Pearson survey highlights deep-seated concerns among Indian test-takers about biases in English proficiency exams. From accents and attire to skin tone and job status, many believe these factors unfairly influence their speaking test scores.
Accent and test scores: Over 64% of test-takers believe that having a particular accent can impact their speaking test scores. While 35% of respondents, especially from Tamil Nadu, think an American accent improves scores.
Skin colour bias: 59% of respondents fear being judged based on their skin tone, raising concerns over unconscious favoritism toward lighter-skinned individuals.
Impact of dressing: Nearly 64% of test-takers, with 67% in Maharashtra, feel their choice of attire can create a wrong impression and influence judgment.
Job & education influence: 70% of respondents, especially from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, believe having a prestigious job or a strong educational background leads to greater respect.
Appearance matters: 77% of respondents from Punjab believe that external appearance plays a significant role in determining the outcome of their speaking test.
Bias in English tests may affect your H-1B hopes
Perceived biases in English proficiency tests can create significant hurdles for H1B visa applicants. From affecting test scores to reinforcing hiring biases, these concerns may impact job prospects, workplace confidence, and overall career growth in the US.
Lower test scores affect visa eligibility: Since English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE are often required for H1B visa applicants, biases in scoring could lead to lower results, potentially affecting eligibility for jobs that require strong communication skills.
Accent as a barrier in job applications: Many US employers prioritize candidates with strong English proficiency. If Indian applicants feel pressured to alter their accents or struggle with perceived biases, they may underperform in interviews, reducing their chances of securing an H1B-sponsored job.
Self-doubt and missed opportunities: Fear of accent or appearance-based bias may discourage skilled professionals from even attempting language proficiency tests or applying for roles that require public-facing communication, limiting their career prospects in the US.
Added pressure in workplace communication: Even after securing an H1B visa, professionals may feel the need to modify their natural speech patterns or appearance to fit in, leading to stress, lower confidence, and potential workplace communication challenges.
Reinforcement of hiring biases: If US employers perceive certain accents as more “professional” due to biased testing, it could lead to hiring preferences for applicants with Westernized accents, making it harder for Indian professionals to compete fairly in the job market.
How to overcome accent issues
While an accent isn’t a formal criterion for H1B visa approval, it can indirectly impact an applicant’s chances. Many US employers prioritize strong English communication skills, and biases in proficiency tests or job interviews may favor certain accents, putting Indian professionals at a disadvantage. Fear of being judged on pronunciation rather than actual language ability can lead to lower test scores, reduced confidence, and missed job opportunities. To overcome this, focus on clarity over accent, practice with native or fluent speakers, take professional communication courses, and use AI tools to refine pronunciation. Confidence and fluency matter more than adopting a foreign accent.
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