The US Government suspended several leading IT outsourcing companies and major US tech firms from the Permanent Labour Certification Program on October 9, 2026, as part of new visa reforms announced on October 23, 2026. The suspended companies, including Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL, Capgemini, Microsoft, and Adobe, have collectively sought millions of foreign workers and received hundreds of thousands of H-1B visa approvals and permanent labour certifications.
Suspension of IT outsourcing and tech firms amid federal investigations
The US Labour Department implemented suspensions on the Permanent Labour Certification Program affecting key players in the IT sector such as Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL, and Capgemini. Microsoft and Adobe were
also suspended. The department attributed these actions to ongoing federal investigations related to alleged misuse and fraud in business immigration programs. These investigations form part of broader US government efforts to protect the integrity of the immigration system.
Proposed new fees for F-1 students on Optional Practical Training
The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed increased fees for F-1 non-immigrant students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT). These measures are aimed at bolstering protections for American workers and reinforcing the immigration system’s integrity by regulating the participation of foreign students in the US labor market.
Rubio’s statements on global scope and prioritization of American interests
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking in New Delhi during his India visit,
stated the recent visa changes are global reforms rather than measures targeting India. He said, “It’s not one that’s built on India. It’s not one that’s focused on India … It happens to impact Indians that want to come to the United States and work and that our businesses are trying to bring in, but it’s not geared towards India. It is global.” Rubio emphasized that these changes aim to prioritize American workers, reflecting a broader US policy direction under President Trump to put native workers and national interests first. He added, “I expect that the government of India will
always put the people of India first and that you will always put the national interest of India first… But I also hope everyone understands that the United States under President Trump is going to put our people first, our workers first and our country first.”
India’s stance on skilled professional movement and US visa changes
India has highlighted that the migration of skilled professionals between the two nations fosters innovation, research, productivity, and job creation. However, Indian authorities have criticized the recent US visa reforms, saying these measures do not advance the shared objectives that benefit both countries. India underscores the mutual gains derived from continued movement of skilled
workers despite the tightening of US visa rules.
