Politics · United States · 3 hrs ago
US freezes PERM applications at eight tech companies
The US has frozen PERM applications at eight technology firms, including Microsoft, Infosys, TCS, Wipro and HCL Technologies.
The freeze covers new and pending applications under a program employers use to seek permanent residency for skilled workers.
Many Indian workers rely on this route after working in the US on temporary H-1B visas, and Indians hold a majority of those visas.
Indian tech companies say they now rely less on H-1B workers and hire more staff locally, so analysts expect limited business effects.
For some workers, the freeze could delay a green card after years in the US, while their children may feel settled there.
The change adds to uncertainty for Indian immigrants, amid increased online hostility towards South Asians and criticism of a remark by US Vice President JD Vance about H-1B workers.
The US has frozen new and pending PERM applications at eight technology companies, blocking a route to permanent residency for skilled international workers.
The affected firms include Microsoft, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro and HCL Technologies.
The move affects Indian workers who have used H-1B temporary visas while seeking green cards through PERM.
Industry representatives and analysts say the effect on businesses may be limited because companies rely less on H-1B workers and PERM-linked jobs make up a small share of revenue.
A US-based executive told the BBC the impact on workers could be intense, particularly for people whose families have settled in the country.
- Who
- Eight technology companies and skilled international workers, including Indian H-1B visa holders.
- What
- The US froze new and pending applications through the PERM program at the companies.
- When
- Earlier this month, according to the BBC article published on 21 October 2026.
- Where
- The United States.
- Why
- The sources say the move is in line with President Donald Trump's push for stricter skilled-worker immigration rules.
US administration
Critics of the restriction
Policy
US administration
The administration suspended the companies from hiring skilled international workers permanently through PERM.
Critics of the restriction
India's foreign ministry called JD Vance's description of H-1B holders as foreign indentured servants unwarranted and deeply offensive.
Impact
US administration
The sources describe the move as part of a push for stricter skilled-worker immigration rules.
Critics of the restriction
A US-based executive said the impact on affected people was intense, even if it would not break the business.
Researchers at Stop AAPI Hate reported a sharp increase in anti-South Asian online sentiment since the election.
The US announced the suspension of eight technology firms from hiring skilled international workers permanently through PERM.
- Companies affected
- Eight technology firms
- Named companies
- Microsoft, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro and HCL Technologies
- Application status
- New and pending PERM applications frozen
- Visa pathway
- Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM)
- H-1B visa
- Temporary visa for specialists
What people are saying
foreign indentured servants
unwarranted
deeply offensive
not break the business