US suspends green card programme for 8 tech firms; H-1B workers' employment status unaffected

The Trump administration has suspended eight major technology companies from sponsoring foreign employees for permanent residency under the PERM (Permanent Labour Certification) programme, effective October 8, 2026. The affected firms include Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech, Cognizant, Capgemini, Microsoft and Adobe. The suspension follows allegations of fraud and misuse of employment-based immigration procedures.

However, Indian professionals currently working in the US on valid H-1B status face no automatic loss of employment rights. The suspension targets only the green card sponsorship pathway, not the H-1B visa programme itself. Existing H-1B visas remain valid, and approved H-1B petitions are not invalidated by this action.

India's Ministry of External Affairs clarified on October 9 that the suspension would not affect the validity of existing H-1B visas or the status of H-1B visa holders and their dependents. The primary consequence is delayed or blocked green card applications for eligible employees at the suspended companies, not immediate deportation or loss of work authorisation.