The Trump administration announced on October 8, 2026, that Microsoft, Adobe, and six major IT services companies would be suspended from the U.S. Department of Labor's Permanent Labor Certification program, known as PERM.
According to Reuters and TechCrunch, the action prevents the affected companies from submitting new or proceeding with pending PERM applications.
The announcement raises concerns for foreign workers relying on employer-sponsored green cards. However, it does not establish that all existing visas, approved petitions, or green cards have been canceled.
Which Companies Are Affected?
The companies identified in the reports are:
- Microsoft
- Adobe
- Cognizant
- Infosys
- Tata Consultancy Services
- Wipro
- HCL Technologies
- Capgemini
The administration cited alleged misuse of employment-based immigration programs and concerns about protecting U.S. workers. Microsoft defended its immigration practices, according to Reuters.
What Is PERM, and Why Does It Matter?
PERM is a labor-certification process administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. Many employer-sponsored green card applications require this step before the employer can file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
After the petition stage, eligible workers may proceed to permanent residence through adjustment of status or consular processing, depending on their circumstances and visa availability.
Not every employment-based green card category requires PERM. See the Department of Labor's official PERM guidance.
How Could the Suspension Affect Foreign Workers?
The impact depends on the employer and the stage of the immigration case.
- Workers who have not started PERM: Employer-sponsored green card plans could be delayed.
- Workers with pending PERM applications: Their cases may be directly affected by the reported suspension.
- Workers with approved PERM certifications: They should confirm whether subsequent filings can proceed and whether relevant deadlines apply.
- Workers with pending I-140 or I-485 applications: Their circumstances may differ from those of workers still awaiting labor certification.
What About H-1B Visa Holders?
The reported PERM suspension does not, by itself, mean that all H-1B workers at the affected companies have lost their immigration status or work authorization.
However, workers planning to transition to permanent residence may face uncertainty. A delay in green card sponsorship does not automatically extend temporary status or work authorization.
For more information, read SimVisa's guide to what work authorization is.
Could Other Green Card Options Be Available?
Some employment-based immigration categories have different requirements and may not require PERM. Depending on their qualifications and circumstances, certain workers may be eligible for an alternative pathway.
However, alternatives are not available to everyone. Eligibility, visa availability, and filing requirements must be assessed individually.
Explore SimVisa's Employment-Based Immigration Services to learn more about employment visas and employment-based green card options.
Our Recommendation for Affected Workers
Affected employees should take the following steps:
- Confirm whether their employer and application are affected. Ask the employer's immigration team or attorney for case-specific clarification.
- Check the current application stage. Establish whether the case is awaiting PERM, has an approved certification, or has progressed to I-140 or I-485.
- Review immigration deadlines. Check work authorization, status expiration dates, and relevant filing deadlines.
- Discuss potential alternatives with an immigration attorney. Do not assume another category is available without confirming eligibility.
- Monitor official updates. Confirm the duration and scope of the reported suspension, including its effect on previously approved certifications, through current official guidance.
Workers should avoid making significant employment or travel decisions based solely on general news reports.
Need Guidance on Your Employment-Based Green Card?
The reported suspension could complicate immigration planning for affected foreign workers, but the consequences depend on each person's circumstances.
An immigration attorney can help assess your case, explain potential implications, and identify lawful options that may be available.
Concerned about your employer-sponsored green card?
Contact SimVisa to discuss your immigration circumstances and learn about available legal assistance.
