COGNIZANT LABOUR CERTIFICATION
Midterm results may slow US visa curbs, but no quick relief likely for IT
The opposition party’s takeover of both chambers of US Congress is expected to bring greater scrutiny of the administration’s policy decisions, potentially slowing further restrictions, industry experts told ET. However, any improvement in sentiment is unlikely to translate quickly into higher hiring or technology spending.
US PERM Freeze: Indian H-1B workers could lose crucial time to secure Green Cards as sponsorships stall
On October 8, the US Department of Labor announced the suspension of green card processing for eight companies, causing significant worry among Indian professionals reliant on employer sponsorship for permanent residency. While current H-1B visas remain valid, individuals are urged to examine their situations closely and explore other immigration options. Families connected to the affected workers should also evaluate their immigration standings in light of these developments.
Trump administration’s PERM suspension: Can H-1B workers stay in the US if green card filings are blocked?
Indian professionals working at Microsoft and Cognizant may face delays in their green card applications. The suspension affects various stages of the PERM labour certification process. Workers near the six-year limit of their H-1B status could experience significant complications. Employees with pending applications might wait longer for decisions and subsequent steps in their residency applications. Clarity on the effects of the suspension on approved applications is still awaited.
US suspension of PERM applications unlikely to impact Indian IT firms significantly: Kotak
The US suspension of PERM processing for six major Indian IT companies is unlikely to materially affect their operations or earnings, Kotak Institutional Equities said, citing their reduced dependence on visa-based staffing and increased local hiring in the US. The brokerage said near-term costs could rise if firms rely more on subcontractors, but greater offshoring could help offset the impact, with bigger risks emerging only if restrictions spread to existing work authorisations, client-site deployment or outsourcing.
MIT, Harvard, Yale among 9 US universities under J-1 visa fraud probe as US alleges wage undercutting
The US Labour Department has launched an investigation into alleged J-1 visa fraud at nine major universities, including Harvard, Yale, Stanford and MIT. Vice President JD Vance alleged the programme was being used to undercut American workers’ wages. The move follows a proposed $70,000 fee for initial F-1 student OPT.
TCS, Microsoft respond to US PERM suspension, reaffirm commitment to American workforce
Tata Consultancy Services has been suspended from the permanent labour certification programme by the US Labour Department. This suspension affects eight major technology companies including TCS, Infosys, and Microsoft. TCS stated that this will not impact its hiring strategy or engagements with clients. The company intends to hire 15,000 workers in the US over the next five years.
Sridhar Vembu urges Indians to return home after US freezes Green Card process at 8 tech firms
Sridhar Vembu, the founder of Zoho, is encouraging Indians working in the United States to return home. He highlighted how recent immigration policies have created uncertainty for Indian professionals despite their significant contributions. Vembu emphasized the opportunity for returning professionals to help shape India's technology ecosystem. This call to action follows the suspension of several tech companies from the Permanent Labour Certification program.
India reacts to US' PERM move against IT cos Infosys to Wipro, says Vance's 'indentured servants' comments 'unwarranted'
India has criticized US Vice President JD Vance for labeling foreign workers as indentured servants. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that such terminology overlooks the contributions of Indian professionals. It highlighted the economic value and talent mobility that Indian workers bring to the US. Moreover, the MEA stated that restrictions on talent mobility do not advance shared interests.
Microsoft defends foreign hiring after US green card programme suspension
Microsoft has emphasized that a significant majority of its US employees are American amidst immigration crackdowns. It submitted H-1B visa applications primarily for current employees, not new hires, reflecting its workforce strategy. This statement coincides with CEO Satya Nadella receiving the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. The Trump administration is investigating multiple tech firms, including Microsoft, for immigration-related issues.
US suspends TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech, Cognizant and three other firms from PERM green card programme
The US Labour Department has suspended eight major technology companies from the permanent labour certification programme. This decision bars these firms from filing new applications or processing pending applications involving foreign workers. Companies like Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys have been accused of hiring overseas workers at the expense of American jobs. Industry body Nasscom argues that Indian tech companies have reduced dependence on work visas and increased local hiring.
$22 billion visa fraud? US Labour Dept’s explosive claim puts Infosys, TCS, Wipro in the crosshairs
The US Labor Department has claimed it uncovered $22 billion in visa fraud, accusing universities and companies of operating as “visa mints” that enabled foreign workers to secure jobs at the expense of Americans. The department has suspended major technology firms from its permanent labor certification programme amid ongoing federal investigations.
"Credibility of talent mobility ecosystem damaged by actions of few," cautions Foreign Secy Misri
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has warned that fraud, exploitation and skill mismatches could undermine the credibility of India’s overseas talent mobility ecosystem, days after the US suspended PERM processing for several major technology companies. He urged recruiters and mobility firms to prioritise ethics, transparency and accountability, while the MEA said the US action could delay green-card processing but does not by itself affect existing H-1B visas or dependents.
US green card suspension: TCS, Infosys, Wipro, other IT firms' PERM applications already on decline
Indian IT companies are experiencing a significant decline in green card applications this year due to a recent suspension. Major firms like Tata Consultancy Services and HCL have drastically reduced their applications for permanent labor certification. NASSCOM indicates that these companies are relying less on H-1B visas and enhancing local workforce hiring strategies. The total number of PERM applications from Indian firms remains relatively low compared to the overall figures.
'Never-ending flow of cheap labour': JD Vance reiterates US stand on barring Microsoft, TCS Infosys & others from green card program
US Vice President JD Vance defended the Trump administration’s move to suspend major technology companies, including Microsoft and Adobe, from the employment-based green card programme, accusing corporations of relying on cheap foreign labour at the expense of American workers.
India slams JD Vance's H-1B remarks, defends Indian workers
India's external affairs ministry expressed strong disapproval of JD Vance's remarks about H-1B workers, labeling them as deeply offensive. They emphasized that current H-1B visas continue to be valid, notwithstanding modifications to the PERM program. Vance's allegations against firms like Microsoft for prioritizing foreign employees over Americans have reignited debates on immigration.
PERMafrost without bite: Indian IT must stop treating every US rule change as a crisis to be lobbied away, fix lies elsewhere
US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling has suspended eight companies from the Permanent Labour Certification Programme, significantly impacting their operations. Companies primarily delivering services from India are affected, hindering their ability to hire foreign workers. This situation is anticipated to push Indian tech talent to consider alternatives, including returning to India. The decision may also disrupt ongoing trade discussions between the US and India regarding skilled labor mobility.
US green-card freeze hits TCS, Infosys, Wipro; GTRI warns of wider IT curbs
The US government has suspended eight technology companies, including TCS, Infosys, Wipro and HCLTech, from the PERM green-card sponsorship programme, raising concerns over potential restrictions on foreign tech workers. A Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) report warns that curbs could extend to H-1B hiring and skilled-worker mobility. The move may push Indian IT firms to diversify markets and expand domestic delivery.
Immigration, skilled talent mobility distinct: Nasscom as US suspends IT firms from green card prog
The latest development in the US - the biggest market for the $300 billion Indian IT industry - adds to uncertainty for tech outsourcers that rely on cross-border movement of skilled professionals. In a statement, Nasscom said the decision affects a specific immigration pathway, but it has consistently maintained that the two issues should be kept apart.
Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL among 8 IT firms suspended from US green card programme
The US government's recent decision to suspend eight leading IT companies, including Microsoft, from green card applications for foreign workers highlights pressing job market challenges. Vice President J D Vance pointed out the negative impact on employment opportunities. The Department of Labour has reported significant misuse of the visa system dating back to 2009.
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