PERM
Indian GCCs set to add 35k jobs in 2027
ANSR expects these jobs – ranging from 30,000 to 35,000 - to be added by 160-175 new greenfield GCCs amid an increasing number of inquiries from US mid-sized companies. The caveat emptor: Experts say this interest is yet to translate into plans for large-scale relocation of jobs from the US.
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.
Microsoft buyout offer: Will taking the exit package mean H-1B visa workers may have to leave the country?
Microsoft’s voluntary buyout gives eligible employees financial support to leave but this may also bring trouble in their living status. For some H-1B workers, accepting the exit package could affect their ability to remain in the United States.
US green card backlog explained: Why Indian EB-2 and EB-3 applicants face an eight-year disadvantage over Chinese nationals
Indian professionals face stark challenges in their pursuit of US green cards, with waits far longer than their Chinese counterparts. The November 2026 Visa Bulletin reveals a staggering eight-year backlog for Indian applicants in the EB-2 category, driven by limited annual visas and intense demand. Many find themselves changing jobs during this protracted period, which can complicate their green card applications.
What is the difference between buyout and layoff? Microsoft offers buyout to 60,000 employees; check what it means for workers
Microsoft buyout offer to 60,000 workers: Microsoft has introduced a Voluntary Exit Offer (VEO) for eligible employees in India, the US, Canada and the UK, with reports suggesting around 60,000 workers could qualify. The programme allows employees to leave voluntarily with financial support, unlike layoffs, where the company decides to cut jobs. The move comes as Microsoft ramps up AI investments while managing workforce costs.
US moves to change green card sponsorship rules as PERM proposal clears federal review
The US Office of Management and Budget has completed its review of a proposed rule to revise the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programme. The Department of Labor plans to change recruitment standards, strengthen rules concerning layoffs of American workers and enhance employer non-discrimination requirements. The proposal will be published in the Federal Register for public comment, and the changes will not take effect until a final regulation is issued.
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US midterm elections 2026: What could change for H-1B & green cards as US' immigration rules face a poll test
The looming US midterm elections are set to play a crucial role in shaping immigration policy, particularly concerning H-1B visas. Various proposals are under consideration that could reshape how employment-based green cards are processed and issued. With lawmakers from both sides offering contrasting changes, the outcome of these elections will be vital in influencing potential reforms, as current administrative policies and congressional actions will dictate future immigration frameworks.
H-1B workers from India, China take US jobs with cheaper labour, says Congressman Riley Moore
US Congressman Riley Moore has argued that H-1B visa holders are displacing American graduates in the workforce. He cited statistics indicating a significant number of graduates and visa holders in related fields. Moore contends that employers prefer foreign workers due to their willingness to accept lower wages. He also criticized the H-1B program for enabling chain migration among visa holders.
US lawmakers propose raising H-1B salary threshold to nearly $140,000 for some workers
In a significant move, Republican lawmakers are advocating for a new bill that would raise the H-1B visa salary cap to almost $140,000, reflecting necessary updates to outdated regulations dating back to 1998. This change aims to strengthen hiring protections for American workers, as the current threshold of $60,000 permits various exemptions for employers dependent on H-1B visas.
Cloudera settles with the US government, barred from PERM program for two years over labour discrimination allegations
Cloudera has agreed to a $2 million settlement amidst claims of discrimination against qualified American employees. The company will create a $1.4 million fund to aid eligible workers and incur penalties of $600,000. Additionally, Cloudera faces a two-year prohibition from the employment-based green card labour certification program. This settlement is part of a Justice Department initiative aimed at safeguarding the rights of workers in the U.S.
Rebuked by India, Vance admits he went too far with "indentured servants" rhetoric
JD Vance faced backlash for comparing H-1B visa holders to indentured servants, prompting clarifications in his statements. He emphasized that his criticism aimed at the companies and visa system instead of the visa holders. The Indian government condemned Vance's remarks, highlighting the contributions of Indian professionals to the US economy. They stated that such descriptions ignore the significant role immigrants have played in America's growth.
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.
Catch a bully by its horns: How India can turn the latest round of US visa curbs affecting Indian techies to its advantage
Visa restrictions imposed by the US on Indian IT companies may impact individuals working on temporary visas. Many Indian workers may now have to return to India due to these restrictions. Despite these challenges, returnees present opportunities for India in emerging technologies and industries. Additionally, India's relationship with the US requires strategic actions to maintain balance in trade and diplomacy.
Wipro sees no material business impact from US suspension of new PERM applications
Wipro has stated that it will not face considerable impacts from the US Department of Labor’s recent announcement. The company highlighted that the Permanent Labor Certification programme is separate from the H-1B visa process. Wipro has focused on hiring locally in the US, with over 80% of its workforce being locally recruited. The IT services firm reassured its investment in local talent and compliance with US regulations.
US green card delays: What options do Indian tech workers have if PERM is suspended
With the US labour certification process now suspended, Indian technology workers face an uncertain future in their pursuit of permanent residency. They are encouraged to consider changing employers or looking into green card options that do not rely on the PERM process. Additionally, pursuing international transfers within their companies could offer viable pathways.
US targets biggest PERM filer: What changes for Indian tech workers
Indian professionals face uncertainty as eight major technology companies are suspended from the US Green Card programme. The suspension affects both new and pending PERM applications, creating potential delays for employees. H-1B visa holders are not losing their jobs immediately, but their immigration status remains uncertain. Workers near the six-year H-1B limit must evaluate their immigration options carefully.
PERM ban is not just an H-1B problem: Who else could lose their green card path?
The US Labor Department’s PERM suspension could affect foreign workers beyond H-1B holders, including some L-1, O-1, TN, E-3 and F-1 OPT workers whose employer-sponsored green card cases depend on labour certification. Their current visas are not automatically cancelled, but PERM delays could slow permanent residency and create greater uncertainty for workers nearing the limits of their temporary status.
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.
PERM suspension could trap tech workers in a green card visa cycle
The US suspension of Microsoft, Adobe and six other IT services companies from the PERM green card process could leave some H-1B workers stuck longer in temporary status, particularly if their employers have not yet filed PERM or if they are approaching the six-year H-1B limit. The suspension does not cancel existing H-1B visas, but it could delay green card milestones that some workers rely on for visa extensions, job changes and longer-term plans in the US.
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.
TCS, Infosys, Wipro & others suspended from PERM green card program by US. What is it & how is it different from H1-B?
The US has suspended Microsoft, Adobe, Infosys, Wipro, TCS, HCL Technologies, Cognizant and Capgemini from the PERM green card programme over alleged fraud and replacement of American workers. The freeze blocks new applications and pending cases, potentially delaying permanent residency for skilled foreign workers.
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.
"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.
India's Infosys does not expect material impact from US PERM suspension
The US government said on Thursday it was suspending some major global tech and IT firms, including Infosys, from the PERM green card program, which allows skilled foreign workers to gain permanent residency in the US through their employment.
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.
H-1B visas, green card programmes generated $2.1 trillion in US household income: USISPF
The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum has backed the Trump administration’s crackdown on alleged PERM abuse while warning against overlooking the economic contribution of legal immigrants. USISPF said green card and H-1B pathways have strengthened US growth and innovation, citing $2.1 trillion in household income and nearly $579 billion in federal, state and local taxes generated by legal immigrants.
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.
Green card move by Donald Trump government: Will it backfire for USA? Details here
Donald Trump government said it is suspending Microsoft and Adobe along with some of the largest IT firms in the world, including Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL Technologies and Capgemini. Other companies such as Meta, Amazon or Alphabet's Google remain free to participate in the program.
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