US Department of Labor suspends PERM applications involving eight tech firms; Indian IT may shift more work offshore
Key points
- The US Department of Labor suspended new and pending PERM applications involving eight companies on October 8
- PERM is the first stage of most employer-sponsored green card applications
- The suspension does not automatically affect existing H-1B visas but could delay permanent residency
The US Department of Labor suspended new and pending PERM applications involving Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCLTech and Capgemini on October 8. PERM is the first stage of most employer-sponsored green card applications. The suspension does not automatically affect existing H-1B visas but could delay permanent residency. The report says visa restrictions may push Indian IT firms to shift more work to India-based delivery.
What employers should do
- Check the status of the company's pending PERM applications and assess possible delays
- Confirm with counsel the status and renewal plans for existing H-1B employees
Policy details
- Jurisdiction
- Federal
- Status
- Enforcement action
- Effective date
- 2026-10-08
- Employers covered
- Applications involving Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCLTech and Capgemini
- Official source
- Official source pending
Original report: Business Standard ↗Edited with AI assistance. Facts are based on official sources and original reports. For information only; not legal, immigration or insurance advice.