US Green Card Freeze: How H-1B Visa Holders Could Be Affected
US Green Card Crackdown Raises Concerns for Indian Workers
The United States has suspended new and pending applications under the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme for eight major technology and IT services companies, raising concerns among thousands of foreign professionals seeking permanent residency.
The companies affected are Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro, HCLTech, Cognizant, Microsoft, Adobe and Capgemini. Announced on October 8, 2026, the move is part of the Trump administration’s wider crackdown on employment-based immigration. US officials have alleged that companies misused visa programmes and disadvantaged American workers. These allegations do not establish wrongdoing by every affected company.
How Will the Green Card Freeze Affect H-1B Visa Holders?
The most immediate impact is on workers whose employers are sponsoring them for a US employment-based green card. PERM is a key labour certification stage in many employer-sponsored permanent residency applications.
Here are the main consequences for foreign workers:
- Green card delays: Employees waiting for their employers to begin or complete the PERM process may face extended uncertainty, as new applications and pending cases are affected.
- H-1B visa extension concerns: Workers approaching the usual six-year H-1B limit may face additional complications. Eligibility for certain extensions beyond six years can depend on the stage and timing of their green card process.
- Family and settlement plans: Professionals planning to settle permanently in the US with their families may need to reconsider timelines for long-term residence, career decisions and other commitments.
- Changing employers: Workers considering a new job may need to assess how a move could affect their existing green card sponsorship. PERM is employer-specific, so changing jobs can have immigration consequences depending on the case.
- Career uncertainty: Employees may have to seek immigration advice and discuss alternative timelines with their employers while the suspension remains in force.
Are Existing H-1B Visas Being Cancelled?
No. The suspension does not automatically cancel existing H-1B visas or require all employees of the affected companies to leave the US.
The immediate restriction concerns PERM labour certification applications, which are part of the route to permanent residency. Workers with valid H-1B status may continue to rely on that status subject to its existing conditions and any separate immigration requirements.
Similarly, the announcement does not create a blanket ban on all Indian nationals working in America. Employees at companies not named in the suspension are not directly covered by this particular action, although broader immigration policies may affect them separately.
What About Other Foreign Workers in the US?
Professionals working in America on other immigration routes, including eligible international graduates using Optional Practical Training (OPT), should not assume that their work authorisation has been cancelled by this PERM action.
However, foreign workers who depend on employer sponsorship for long-term residence may be watching developments closely. The wider scrutiny of employment and exchange-visitor programmes could create additional uncertainty, but the rules and consequences differ between visa categories.
The impact on each individual will depend on their visa status, employer, application stage and eligibility for other immigration options. Workers affected by the suspension should consult a qualified US immigration attorney before making decisions about employment, travel or visa status.
What Happens Next?
The suspension places fresh pressure on major IT companies and foreign professionals who rely on employer-sponsored green cards. The duration of the restrictions and the treatment of existing cases will be crucial in determining the long-term impact.
For Indian technology workers, the key takeaway is that the green card route may be delayed, but the suspension is not an automatic cancellation of H-1B visas. Employees should confirm their individual circumstances with their employer's immigration team and monitor official updates from US authorities.