US suspends PERM Green Card applications for eight major tech firms

The US Department of Labor has suspended new Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) applications for eight major technology and IT services firms, including Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro, HCLTech, and Capgemini. The government stated the measure aims to prevent the practice from shutting Americans out of the job market.

The suspension blocks these companies from filing new PERM applications and pauses those currently under review. While the move creates uncertainty for Indian professionals pursuing employer-sponsored permanent residency, experts note it is distinct from H-1B visa programs and does not invalidate existing H-1B visas or previously approved Green Cards.

Major IT firms have responded to the decision. Wipro stated it anticipates no material business impact, noting that over 80% of its US workforce is locally hired. TCS similarly reported that it expects no impact on workforce strategy or customer engagements, as its PERM applications have been in single digits over the last two years.