The United States’ suspension of a key green-card sponsorship process at eight technology companies has raised concerns over the future of skilled-worker mobility. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has urged India’s IT industry to prepare for the possibility of restrictions extending to hiring and outsourcing, while distinguishing that warning from the immediate scope of the action. Announced on October 8, the suspension affects Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech, Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant and Capgemini. It blocks new and pending applications under the Permanent Labour Certification Programme, commonly known as PERM, a route used for employer-sponsored permanent residency. What the Green-Card Freeze Means The immediate concern is uncertainty for employees pursuing permanent residency through the affected employers. Companies may also need to reassess longer-term staffing plans in the United States. However, GTRI said the PERM suspension does not itself prevent H-1B applications under existing rules or cancel workers’ current H-1B status. The report’s warning about wider restrictions is an assessment of potential policy risks, rather than an announcement of a new H-1B hiring ban. This distinction matters for understanding the impact: a disruption to permanent-residency sponsorship does not automatically mean an immediate halt to ongoing IT projects. Why GTRI Sees a Risk for Indian IT GTRI highlighted the industry’s substantial exposure to the American market. According to figures cited in its report, the US accounted for $119.7 billion, or 54.1 per cent, of India’s $221.4 billion in software and IT-enabled services exports during FY2025–26. That dependence makes changes in US immigration and employment policy significant for Indian technology businesses. GTRI urged companies to prepare for possible measures affecting H-1B hiring, movement of skilled professionals and outsourcing. These remain potential risks identified by the think tank, with the present action focused on PERM sponsorship. Delivery From India Could Cushion the Impact The report said India’s delivery model could limit the immediate disruption. Globally, 91.7 per cent of software and IT-enabled services exports were delivered from India, while 8.3 per cent came through professionals working at overseas client locations. Applying those worldwide proportions to US exports, GTRI estimated that approximately $109.8 billion in services was delivered from India and $9.9 billion through on-site work. It clarified that these estimates use global delivery shares rather than US-specific data. The figures suggest that much of the industry’s work can continue without employees being based at American client locations. Nevertheless, uncertainty over residency could complicate workforce planning and employee retention. Diversification, Local Hiring and GCC Opportunities GTRI recommended expanding into additional export markets, strengthening service delivery from India and increasing local hiring in the US where required. It also called for greater investment in artificial intelligence and higher-value technology services. The report identified a possible opportunity for India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Multinational companies could expand engineering work and specialised teams in India if overseas staffing becomes more difficult, potentially supporting employment and technology development. For Indian IT companies, the immediate challenge is to manage residency-related uncertainty while maintaining client delivery. GTRI’s broader message is to build resilience against sudden policy changes through a wider customer base, stronger domestic delivery capabilities and more specialised services.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has designated a Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) in Amaravati for Andhra Pradesh. Two Gazette notifications dated September 22, 2026, remove the state from the earlier jurisdiction entry and assign it to the “Foreigners Regional Registration Officer, Amaravati.” The change gives Andhra Pradesh a dedicated regional authority for foreigner registration and related immigration matters.

India has warned its nationals against using Malaysia’s 30-day visa-free entry facility to seek jobs, stressing that the arrangement is limited to tourism and social visits and does not permit any form of employment. The High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur issued the advisory after observing a noticeable increase in Indians entering Malaysia under the visa-free scheme while intending to look for work. Accordin

A new US immigration rule expanding how officers assess whether certain immigrants could become a “public charge” takes effect on September 18, 2026. The change is expected to bring wider scrutiny to some green card applications, including adjustment-of-status cases submitted through Form I-485. The Department of Homeland Security has rescinded the 2022 public-charge regulations and returned to a broader case-by-case assessment. Under the revised approach,

A US federal judge temporarily halted new visa rules that would limit how long international students and foreign journalists can remain in the country. US Judge Blocks New Visa Limits for Students, Journalists A US federal judge has postponed the implementation of a Trump administration policy imposing stricter time limits on foreign students and journalists studying or working in the United States.

Trump administration pauses visa appointments worldwide The Trump administration has paused visa appointments for applicants around the world as U.S. embassies and consulates begin a global training initiative for consular officers. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said visa-service appointments would be adjusted to accommodate the training. The department did not provide a detailed timeline or specify how long the disruptions could last at individual diploma

The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed an additional $103,265 fee for each H-1B cap-subject petition. If finalised, the charge would be paid in addition to existing filing and statutory fees, significantly increasing employer sponsorship costs. The proposal does not target any one nationality. However, Indian professionals could be disproportionately affected because they form a major share of H-1B beneficiaries, particularly in technology and other specialised occupati

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is preparing an important filing change for international students, exchange visitors and other nonimmigrants, with revised editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765 becoming mandatory from September 15, 2026. USCIS says it will publish the 09/15/26 editions of Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, on that date. Older editions filed on or after September 15 will be

Marco Rubio says over 600 visas were revoked in a month amid a US crackdown on birth tourism, while his “citizenship is not for sale” remark triggered debate over Trump’s Gold Card. Rubio Says US Citizenship Is Not For Sale Amid Visa Crackdown US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said American citizenship is “not for sale” while announcing an intensified crackdown on birth tourism networks. According to Rubio, more than 600 visa

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says international students whose study visas expire without permanent residency should return home, amid protests over PGWP and immigration rules. Canada Student Visa Warning From Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said international students who enter Canada on temporary study permits should leave the country when

USCIS officers can now deny incomplete or insufficiently supported immigration benefit requests without first seeking additional evidence. The policy applies immediately to eligible requests pending or filed on or after August 5, 2026. USCIS Tightens Immigration Filing Rules US Citizenship and Immigration Services has strengthened evidence requirements for immigration benefit requests, giving officers wider discretion to deny cases th

What the Seven-Year Green Card Proposal Means A US senator has renewed efforts to establish a rolling seven-year residency requirement under the immigration Registry system. The proposal could allow qualifying H-1B professionals and other long-term residents to apply for permanent residency. US Senator Revives 7-Year Green Card Pathway for H-1B Holders The H-1B green card after 7 years

America Ends Open-Ended Visa Stays for Students and Journalists The United States has finalised stricter visa regulations that will introduce fixed admission periods for international students, exchange visitors, and foreign journalists. The US student visa stay limit 2026 will replace the long-standing system that allowed eligible visa holders to remain for the duration of their academic programme or professional assignment. Under the new Department of

Thailand 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Indians Retained in 2026 Thailand’s 30-day visa-free entry for Indians will continue under the country’s revised 2026 travel policy. However, Indian passport holders will now be permitted to stay without a visa for a maximum of 30 days instead of the earlier 60-day period. The decision offers relief to Indian tourists after uncertainty over whether Thailand would completely remove India from its visa-exemption prog

H-1B Visa Rules From August: Indians Face Fresh Hurdles The proposed H-1B visa rules from August could create fresh uncertainty for Indian professionals, students, and employers using key US immigration routes. The Trump administration is preparing changes that may tighten H-1B visa processing, Green Card sponsorship, student visa stay rules, OPT work permits, and H-4 spouse work authorization. The proposed changes are part of the latest US regulatory ag