QUICK TAKE | IBM's Visa U-Turn: Seven Things Indian Professionals in the US Need to Know

1. What has IBM announced?

IBM has decided to discontinue US visa and Green Card sponsorship for the majority of roles in its Consulting division. The company confirmed the decision, citing changing skill availability and client requirements.

2. Are 150,000 employees affected?

No. IBM Consulting employs more than 150,000 people globally, but the policy does not affect the entire workforce. IBM has not disclosed how many employees currently depend on company-sponsored visas or Green Cards.

3. What options do affected employees have?

According to reports citing an internal communication, employees affected by the decision have been told to relocate outside the US and continue working for IBM, where possible, or leave the company by December 2026.

4. Why is this significant for H-1B visa holders?

The H-1B programme allows US employers to hire foreign professionals in specialised occupations. Employees whose sponsorship is withdrawn may need to find another employer willing to sponsor them or explore other eligible immigration options. They cannot automatically continue working in the US indefinitely.

5. What happens to employees waiting for Green Cards?

The impact depends on the stage of the application. Employees who have progressed further in the process may have certain protections, including priority-date retention or eligibility to change employers under specific conditions. Those at earlier stages could face greater uncertainty.

6. Is this linked to Trump's immigration crackdown?

The decision comes amid tighter US scrutiny of employment-based immigration. The administration has introduced tougher H-1B requirements and announced a $100,000 fee for certain new petitions involving workers outside the US. However, that fee is currently blocked by court orders and is not being collected. IBM has not directly attributed its decision to government policy.

7. Why should Indian IT professionals be concerned?

Indian professionals form a significant part of the US H-1B workforce. IBM's move could affect employees who have built careers in the US, particularly those waiting for permanent residency. It also raises questions about whether other technology and consulting companies will reassess their dependence on employer-sponsored foreign talent.

(With inputs from Bloomberg and Reuters.)