The H-1B visas, which has for long been Indians' ticket to go treasure hunting in the US, are finding no takers.

WSJ reports that H-1B visas attracted about 50% fewer petitions so far this year than last year, and 80% fewer than in 2009.

Several factors have contributed to the decline in H-1B visas, says WSJ.

"The lackluster pace of the U.S. recovery, more opportunities for skilled workers in their home nations and higher visa fees, which appear to have spurred Indian companies operating in the U.S. to seek fewer visas. Attacks on the program by congressional foes of U.S. immigration policies have also cast a shadow over it."

The H-1BA visa program designed to bring skilled foreign techies to companies in the U.S. has slowed sharply, as workers from countries like India and China find their options at home to be more appealing. Miriam Jordan reports.