The US Department of Labor (DOL) has suspended eight large employers from the PERM program. PERM is the first step in many employer-sponsored Green Card cases. The move was announced on 8 October 2026 and widely reported on 9 and 10 October.
The employers named are Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL and Capgemini. This is a developing story, and details are still limited. We will update this article as official information comes in.
What Happened
Vice President JD Vance and Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling announced the suspensions at a White House event on 8 October. According to reports, the DOL will not accept new PERM applications from these eight employers. It will also stop work on their pending applications.
Reports say officials gave different reasons. For Microsoft and Adobe, they pointed to active federal investigations. For the six IT services firms, they cited the very high number of filings. Early reports also said no written notice had been posted yet, so check the DOL website for updates.
What Is PERM?
PERM stands for Program Electronic Review Management. It is the permanent labor certification step. Before an employer can file a Green Card petition (Form I-140) for most EB-2 and EB-3 workers, the DOL must certify that no qualified US worker is available for the job. It must also confirm that hiring the foreign worker will not hurt US wages.
In simple words, PERM comes first. The I-140 petition is filed with USCIS after that.
What This Does Not Change
- Existing H-1B visas are not cancelled. This is a PERM action, not an H-1B action.
- PERM is still open for all other employers. This is not a nationwide halt.
- The announcement did not say that approved I-140 petitions are cancelled.
What Is Still Unclear
- How long the suspension will last.
- Whether more employers will be added to the list.
- How cases that the DOL has already certified will be treated.
Who May Be Affected
Workers at the eight named employers who are waiting for the PERM step may face delays. This matters most for H-1B holders. Many of them rely on a Green Card case to stay in the US beyond the six-year H-1B limit.
Workers whose I-140 is already approved are usually less affected, because USCIS, not the DOL, handles that step. Workers at other employers are not directly affected, based on current reports. Even so, it is wise to ask your employer to confirm your case status.
Why It Matters for Indian Students and Professionals
Many Indian professionals work at large technology and IT services firms. Many students also hope to join such firms after they graduate. The usual path is a student visa, then work after study, then an H-1B job, and later a Green Card.
This news does not change student visa rules. It does show that the employer-sponsored route can change with little notice. If you are planning to study in the US, read our Study in USA guide and our steps on how to apply for an F-1 student visa. You can also see our recent updates on US student visa processing and on India becoming the top source of US international students.
What To Do Now
- Check whether your employer is on the list of eight.
- If it is, ask HR or your immigration lawyer whether your PERM case is affected and what stage it has reached.
- Keep copies of your PERM filing date, approval notices, I-140, H-1B approvals, passport and I-94.
- Note the end date of your H-1B status.
- Rely on official sources such as the DOL and USCIS. Do not act on social media rumors.
- If you are a student, plan more than one path. Some skilled workers also compare routes in other countries, such as Canada Express Entry.
Bottom Line
The DOL has suspended eight major employers from PERM, the first step in many Green Card cases. H-1B visas are not cancelled, and all other employers can still use PERM. How long the suspension will last, and how it affects cases already certified, is not yet known. If your employer is on the list, speak to its immigration lawyer and keep your documents ready.
FAQs
Are H-1B visas cancelled?Â
No. The suspension covers the PERM step only. An existing H-1B visa is not cancelled automatically.
Is PERM suspended for every employer?Â
No. Only the eight named employers are affected, based on current reports.
I work for a company that is not on the list. Should I worry?Â
Current reports show no direct effect on you. Still, confirm with your employer.
How long will the suspension last?Â
The DOL has not said.
Plan Your US Study and Career Path With SWEC
SWEC Visa Consultant helps students across Ahmedabad, Surat and Gujarat with:
- University and course selection
- F-1 visa documents and interview preparation
- Funds and application planning
- Clear advice on study and work options
We do not give legal advice on employer Green Card cases. For that, speak to your employer’s immigration lawyer.
Book a free consultation through our contact page and plan with confidence.
Sources
- Boundless Immigration, DOL Suspends Eight Employers From PERM Labor Certification, October 2026
- Ellis, Labor Department Suspends Microsoft, Adobe, and 6 IT Firms From PERM Green Card Program, October 2026
- EB5Investors.com, PERM freeze sends tech workers toward EB-5, 12 October 2026
- Official sites to check for updates: DOL Foreign Labor Certification (FLAG) and USCIS
