GoKawiilUS freezes PERM green-card filings for Microsoft, Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCL
The US has suspended eight technology companies, including Microsoft and major Indian IT firms, from filing new or pending applications under the Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM), a key step toward green cards for skilled foreign workers. The freeze particularly affects Indian nationals, who hold the majority of H-1B visas and have historically used PERM to move toward permanent residency. Industry body Nasscom says Indian firms have already cut reliance on H-1B visas in favour of local hiring, and company data shows PERM filings from TCS and others had already dropped sharply before the suspension.