Posted on October 9, 2026
The US PERM suspension for Indian IT firms has raised concerns among technology professionals seeking permanent residency in the United States. News that came out in October 2026 has put the spotlight on the process of employment-based immigration and the contribution of the big names in technology who sponsor foreign workers to become US citizens. There have been allegations of misuse of foreign labor and protection of job opportunities for Americans as the reasons behind the US administration’s move.
Employer sponsored immigration is one of the considerations of many Indian professionals in their long-term career plans. Workers immigrate into the US on temporary visa status but intend to gain permanent resident status with the help of their employers. Restrictions on the process can be a source of uncertainty for career growth, relocation and employment in the future.
Nevertheless, the process of PERM is just one of the processes involved in employment-based immigration. One needs to understand the entire process, which companies are affected by it and what consequences there may be for the employee in question before making any major career decisions.
What Is the US PERM Suspension and Why Does It Matter?
PERM is an acronym for Program Electronic Review Management. This is the labor certification process of the United States Department of Labor and is normally conducted by employers who sponsor their foreign employees for some employment-based Green Cards. The employer must carry out the recruitment process to show that there are no enough qualified and willing US workers for the position and also that the hire of the foreign worker will not have an adverse effect on the wages and working conditions of US workers holding similar positions.
After getting the labor certification, the employer will be able to move ahead to the next phase of the employment-based Green Card process, depending on the immigration requirements.
The Indian Express report published on October 2026 mentions a few major technology companies like Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro, HCL Technologies and Capgemini to be hit by the alleged new restrictions. Some other companies like Microsoft and Adobe have also been mentioned in the broader measures. The reason given for the action by the Trump administration includes foreign workers and protecting jobs for Americans.
The new development becomes important for the Indian software professionals as the majority of them depend on their employers for getting a green card. Applicants from India may also face a long wait in case of green card due to certain country-specific caps for immigration purposes. New restrictions or delays at the labor certification phase may become problematic for the workers.
It is crucial to differentiate between PERM and the H-1B visa. The H-1B visa permits qualified foreign nationals to be employed temporarily in the US in a specialty occupation. PERM, on the other hand, is usually part of the process of gaining permanent residence based on employment. The limitation of PERM filing does not necessarily mean that an individual’s H-1B status will be terminated or that the Green Card previously issued will automatically be revoked.
Impact on Indian IT Workers and Career Plans
The most troubling aspect for those affected professionals would be the potential delay in the Green Card application through the employer. Those employees, whose Green Card applications have not yet been initiated, might have to wait until the employer proceeds further with it. For those with pending applications, the best course of action would be to seek out case-specific information since every application is different.
It could affect job switches, relocations, or even professional paths for many professionals. Many of the professionals may seek out alternative employment or even foreign postings until more information is provided on the matter. But, a change of employers does not automatically solve an immigration problem.
Those with H-1B visas must take note of their visa classification, the period of their authorization and their eligibility for extension. Some eligible individuals can get an extension of their H-1B visa beyond the normal six years if they qualify under certain provisions that are linked to employment-based immigration processes or immigrant petitions that are granted.
It might also necessitate the need for companies to look at immigration assistance, employer communication and manpower planning. The clarity of information provided by the employer will prove helpful for employees to assess whether they will be able to pursue their applications and any other alternatives.
There are some ways that Indian IT professionals can employ to deal with the uncertainty:
- To inquire with the employer’s immigration department or human resources about the status of the application.
- To have a copy of the labour certification documents, immigration petition, approvals, and visa information.
- To look at the visa expiry date or any filing deadline that is relevant.
- To listen to any announcements coming from the US Department of Labour and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- To consult with an immigration attorney in the USA before any change in employers or relocation.
It is possible to use these approaches in order to determine one’s own situation without depending on rumors and assumptions.
Conclusion
The US PERM suspension for Indian IT firms has created uncertainty for professionals seeking permanent residency in the United States through employer sponsorship. Although there is no doubt that the above restrictions will affect some applications for the Green Card process, they cannot necessarily mean that the affected employees would be jobless, without H-1B visa or any chance of acquiring a permanent resident card.
The effects of the restriction would depend on the extent of the restriction, the employer in question, and the individual’s immigrant status. Indian IT professionals should follow the official pronouncements carefully to help them make sound decisions regarding their immigration status.
Stay informed about the latest happenings, current affairs and breaking news stories from around India and the world.