World · India Bureau
Indian IT firms cut green card applications ahead of US visa restrictions
Major Indian information technology companies have significantly reduced permanent residency applications in the United States since fiscal year 2024, data analysis reveals. The pullback occurred before recent US regulatory actions against the sector.
LSN India ·
Four major Indian IT services firms have substantially curtailed their PERM labour certification applications, marking a significant shift in their US workforce strategies ahead of tightened visa policies. An analysis of immigration filing patterns shows the reduction has been consistent since the start of fiscal year 2024, indicating the companies were already adjusting their approach to permanent residency sponsorships.
PERM labour certification represents the initial step in the US green card application process, requiring employers to demonstrate that qualified domestic workers are unavailable for specific positions. The decline in applications from these firms suggests a strategic recalibration of their recruitment and retention policies for American-based staff.
The pullback by Indian IT majors reflects broader industry concerns about escalating scrutiny of visa-dependent employment models. The sector has faced increasing regulatory pressure regarding the use of temporary work visas and their impact on domestic employment opportunities, with policymakers questioning whether foreign workers displace American talent.
Industry observers suggest the reduced green card applications may reflect companies' efforts to manage regulatory risk while navigating an increasingly complex immigration landscape. The timing indicates these firms anticipated regulatory changes rather than responding reactively to formal restrictions.