PERM PROGRAMME
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.
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.
Infosys, TCS and Cognizant cut H-1B lottery registrations as Trump tightens US visa rules
Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Cognizant registered far fewer candidates for the US H-1B visa lottery for fiscal year 2027, according to a report. Cognizant recorded a 100 per cent drop in registrations, while Infosys and TCS saw declines of 91 per cent and 95 per cent, respectively. The fall comes as the Trump administration raises hiring costs, changes the visa selection process and increases scrutiny of employers.
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.
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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.
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 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.
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.
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.
US proposes $70,000 OPT fee, may deter Indian students from studying there
The US Department of Homeland Security has put forth a hefty fee proposal for Optional Practical Training applications, causing Indian students to reevaluate their plans to study in the US. With rising costs and visa issues at play, many are postponing their postgraduate ambitions and exploring other educational opportunities abroad, leading to a stark drop in applications to US institutions.
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.
Green card woes deepen for Indian tech workers
Thousands of Indian technology professionals are facing uncertainty regarding their US permanent residency applications. Major technology companies have been suspended from the permanent labor certification program, impacting green card processing. Employees nearing the H-1B visa limit may encounter immediate difficulties due to these restrictions. Companies are evaluating their immigration strategies to support affected employees and ensure talent retention.
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.
US green card freeze: TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech had just 61 certified PERM cases in FY26
HCL America recorded 59 certified cases and TCS only two. Infosys and Wipro had no recorded cases in the period and neither did US-headquartered Cognizant.
‘You have a green card of your own’: US' new PERM rules expose a job trap of 'rewards' that employees get stuck in for years, warns IIM alumnus
An IIM Lucknow alumnus has drawn a parallel between the US green card restrictions affecting Indian professionals and a career trap that many employees may not even realise they are caught in. From ESOPs waiting to vest to retention bonuses and long-promised promotions, rewards that appear to offer financial security can make people think twice before exploring better opportunities.
Can’t replace US workers with foreign ‘indentured servants’: US after suspending PERM green card program
US Vice President JD Vance defended the suspension of eight technology firms, including Microsoft, TCS, Infosys and Wipro, from the PERM green card programme, accusing companies of replacing American workers with cheaper foreign labour.
US visa curbs may shift higher-value tech work to India, says former HCL Tech CEO Vineet Nayar
Restrictions imposed by the US on major technology companies may prompt a shift in high-value technology work to India. Vineet Nayar highlighted how this situation may benefit Indian IT firms and enhance technological capabilities. While US companies seek to protect local jobs, Indian firms could focus on architecture and product engineering. The industry might also shift away from traditional models of sending engineers to client locations.
Pramila Jayapal slams Trump’s Microsoft green card suspension, Vance hits back
Pramila Jayapal criticized the Trump administration's decision to suspend Microsoft from a Green Card program. The administration argues this move protects American jobs by limiting foreign employment. Jayapal contended that this undermines legal immigration, adversely affecting many skilled professionals. She emphasized that changes should strengthen immigration pathways rather than restrict them. This decision may hinder America's innovation capabilities by targeting companies that rely on skilled foreign workers.
US bars Microsoft from sponsoring green cards for H-1B workers over alleged abuse
The US has barred Microsoft from sponsoring green cards for H-1B visa holders, alleging that the company abused the immigration programme.
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