US freezes PERM filings for eight tech firms

The US has suspended the PERM labor certification program for eight technology companies, including Microsoft, Infosys, TCS, Wipro and HCL. The move blocks a key green card route for H-1B holders, though Indian firms say they have already reduced visa dependence.

• New and pending PERM applications frozen for eight companies
• Over 80% of Wipro's US workforce is hired locally
• TCS PERM filings fell to two in 2025-26 from 513 a year earlier
• About 1 million Indians await employment-based green cards, 79% of the backlog