Key facts
- IBM cited evolving skill availability and client needs as reasons for ending most consulting-division sponsorship, Business Insider reported.
- The October PERM suspension bars the named companies from submitting new applications or advancing pending ones, the administration said.
- The administration said the PERM move aimed to stop companies misusing the program to favor foreign workers over American workers.
- The administration has sought a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, but federal courts have blocked the measure.
- Microsoft has disputed the administration's allegations that it misused the visa system, according to the report.
- An F-1 STEM OPT worker said he delayed buying a car because he does not know how long he can remain in the US.
IBM is ending visa and green card sponsorship for most roles in its consulting division, Business Insider reported on November 12, 2026. The company cited evolving skill availability and client needs as reasons for the move.
The decision comes after the Trump administration in October 2026 suspended Microsoft, Adobe and six major IT services companies from the Permanent Labor Certification program, a key step in the employment-based green card process. The administration said the suspension prevents the companies from submitting new applications or moving forward with pending ones, and that it aimed to stop companies from misusing the program to favor foreign workers over American workers. Microsoft has disputed the allegations that it misused the visa system.
The administration has also sought to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, though federal courts have blocked the measure.
Several tech visa holders told Business Insider the uncertainty is influencing their career decisions and long-term plans. Ashok Kumar, an H-1B tech lead, said he worries more companies could follow IBM's lead. A Microsoft employee preparing for her final H-1B lottery attempt said the PERM suspension could create another obstacle to a green card. An F-1 STEM OPT worker said he delayed buying a car and has considered moving to Canada or the UK.
Others are less concerned. Aman Goyal, an H-1B product manager who came to the US in 2023, said the uncertainty has not outweighed the opportunities he sees and that he wants to keep building his network in the US.