United States suspends permanent visa applications for key technology companies

The United States government announced earlier this month that it would suspend eight technology firms from hiring skilled international workers on a permanent basis using a widely used visa pathway. BBC News reported that the measure freezes both new and pending applications under the Permanent Labor Certification Program, known as PERM. [1][3]

The list of affected companies includes Microsoft alongside prominent Indian firms such as Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, and HCL Technologies, according to BBC News. These restrictions present a major barrier for foreign personnel seeking permanent residency status in the United States. [1][3]

For many Indian engineers, professional advancement traditionally involved working for a tech services firm, securing a posting in the United States, renewing visas, and eventually obtaining a green card. BBC News reported that immigration curbs and cuts in foreign hiring by technology companies are making permanent residency increasingly difficult to achieve. [1][3]

Donald Trump assumed office as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, 2025, after winning the 2024 presidential election. The Republican Party gained control of the federal government by winning majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. [6]