IBM Services halts most US foreign worker visa sponsorships

IBM Services, the technology giant's biggest division by revenue, has decided to stop sponsoring most foreign nationals for US work visas, according to internal communications reviewed by multiple sources. The decision represents a substantial change in the company's labour strategy as it navigates an increasingly restrictive regulatory environment around immigration policy.

The announcement follows several months of intensified enforcement and policy shifts under the Trump administration targeting the H-1B visa programme and other skilled worker visa categories. These programmes have long been utilised by technology and professional services firms to recruit talent from abroad when domestic workers with specific expertise are unavailable.

IBM Services, which generated roughly half of IBM's total revenue in recent years, has historically relied on foreign talent to fill specialised technical and consulting roles. The division provides information technology services and business solutions to clients worldwide, often deploying workers internationally based on project needs.

The company's decision to curtail sponsorships reflects broader industry concerns about visa programme stability and rising compliance costs. Other major technology and consulting firms have faced similar pressures, though IBM's move represents one of the most significant public steps by a major employer to scale back such hiring practices.

IBM declined to provide additional comment beyond confirming the policy change, citing evolving regulatory conditions affecting immigration and workforce planning.