The US has suspended permanent labour certification processing for several major technology companies, including Indian IT firms. The move highlights the uncertainty some Indian professionals may face when planning long-term careers and financial commitments around settling in the US.
US green-card restrictions raise questions for Indian professionals planning to settle abroad
The US Department of Labor has suspended new and pending applications under the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme for several major technology companies. The affected companies include Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech, Cognizant, Capgemini, Microsoft and Adobe, according to reports published on 8 October 2026.
The PERM programme is an important step in the process through which US employers sponsor eligible foreign workers for employment-based green cards. The suspension could create uncertainty for employees whose permanent residency applications depend on this process.
The development is particularly relevant to Indian professionals working in the US or hoping to move there through employer-sponsored opportunities. However, the action does not automatically cancel existing work visas or prevent every affected employee from pursuing other immigration routes.
An overseas assignment does not guarantee permanent residency
Many Indian professionals pursue onsite assignments through their employers as a step towards building a long-term career abroad. However, working on a US project and securing permanent residency are separate milestones.
An employee may receive an opportunity to work in the US without a guarantee of green-card sponsorship. The availability of a suitable immigration route also depends on the employer, the employee’s circumstances and the applicable rules.
The latest suspension highlights why professionals should avoid treating an overseas assignment as a guaranteed route to permanent settlement.
How could this affect financial planning?
- Relocation and emergency savings
Moving abroad can involve expenses such as travel, temporary accommodation, rental deposits and setting up a household. Professionals who incur these costs should consider what would happen if a relocation is delayed or their employment plans change.
Maintaining accessible savings can help meet essential expenses during a job transition or an unexpected return to India.
- Property purchases and long-term commitments
Some professionals buy property, take loans or make other substantial financial commitments based on expectations of a long stay abroad. Uncertainty around employment or residency plans could change their ability or willingness to maintain these commitments.
Before taking on large liabilities, it is important to consider whether the payments would remain manageable if income, employment location or family circumstances changed.
- Investments and financial commitments across countries
Professionals working abroad may have investments, property, family expenses and financial obligations in both India and the US. A change in their employment or residency plans could affect how they manage these commitments.
Their financial plans should account for the possibility of remaining abroad, moving to another country or returning to India. Tax and regulatory implications may differ across these situations.
- Retirement and children’s education
Families planning to settle permanently in the US may base retirement savings, children’s education and other long-term goals on their expected future income and location.
If those plans change, they may need to review their financial targets, savings requirements and timelines. These decisions should not depend entirely on an assumed immigration outcome.
What should professionals consider before planning a move?
The announcement does not mean that Indian professionals can no longer pursue opportunities in the US. Its direct implications depend on whether their employer is affected and whether their immigration plans rely on PERM processing.
However, professionals considering an overseas move should distinguish between the opportunity to work abroad and the possibility of settling there permanently. They should understand their employer’s sponsorship arrangements, estimate relocation costs and assess whether they can manage their financial commitments if the move is delayed or reversed.
The financial objective is not to predict immigration policy changes. It is to ensure that a career opportunity abroad does not leave a person financially vulnerable if their long-term plans change.
