US Suspends Major Technology Companies from Green Card Labour Certification Programme

Mumbai | October 9, 2026

The United States administration has suspended several major technology companies, including Microsoft, Adobe, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro, Cognizant, HCL Technologies and Capgemini, from the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme, an important stage in the employment-based green card process.

The announcement was made on October 8 by US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling alongside Vice President JD Vance. Officials cited alleged misuse of employment-based immigration programmes and concerns about the impact on American workers. These allegations do not, by themselves, establish wrongdoing by every company named.

According to reports, the US Department of Labour said it would not accept new or process pending PERM applications involving the affected companies. The move could create uncertainty for foreign professionals whose employers are sponsoring their applications for permanent residency.

Potential Implications for Indian IT Professionals

The development is particularly significant for Indian technology professionals working in the United States, as several of the affected companies have substantial operations in the country.

PERM is generally an important step in the employer-sponsored green card process. Employers must ordinarily demonstrate that qualified, willing and available US workers cannot be found for the relevant position, in accordance with applicable labour-certification requirements.

The suspension could interrupt or delay this pathway for employees whose cases depend on PERM applications filed by the named companies. The precise consequences will depend on each individual's immigration circumstances and any subsequent government decisions.

H-1B Visas Are Not Automatically Cancelled

The announcement should not be interpreted as a blanket suspension of the H-1B visa programme. The immediate action concerns the participation of the named employers in the PERM labour-certification process.

An employee's existing visa status, work authorisation and options for permanent residency are separate matters. Affected professionals should consult qualified US immigration lawyers to understand how the restrictions may apply to their individual cases.

Implications for Employers and HR Leaders

The decision also raises questions for human resources teams responsible for international mobility, workforce planning and employee retention.

Companies with affected employees may need to review their immigration-related processes, communicate changes transparently and provide access to appropriate legal guidance. Uncertainty around long-term residency can also influence employees' career decisions, family plans and willingness to remain with an employer.

For Indian IT companies with significant US operations, the development could require closer coordination between HR, legal, talent acquisition and global mobility teams.

The wider issue extends beyond immigration compliance. Predictability in international hiring and residency pathways remains an important consideration for employers competing for skilled global talent.

Further developments may provide greater clarity on the scope and duration of the suspensions, the status of pending applications and the options available to affected workers.

Sources: The Indian Express and Reuters.

Report prepared for publication by Indian Press Union (IPU), with reference to publicly available news reports.