Indian IT (information technology) companies facing suspension from the US Permanent Labor Certification Program have filed fewer applications for green cards this year. This suggests that American action is unlikely to have much impact on their performance. The US on Thursday suspended eight IT companies, including Tata, Infosys, Wipro and HCL, from the green card application program for foreign workers. The US administration alleges that this process has reduced employment opportunities for American citizens. Other companies include Capgemini, Cognizant, Microsoft and Adobe. These companies employ a large number of professionals from India.

How many applications were made?

According to an analysis of Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) applications, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) made only two applications in the US fiscal year 2026, compared to 513 in 2025 and 1,804 in 2024. At the same time, HCL made 59 applications, where the number was 23226. Wipro made 257 applications in 2024 and 523 in 2025. Of the 257 applications made in 2024, 169 applications were rejected, while the company withdrew 88 applications. Infosys made 87 applications under PERM in 2024. Data on company applications for the years 2025 and 2026 was not available.

How much impact will it have?

Vineet Nair, former chief executive officer (CEO) of HCL Technologies, posted on social media platform X that Indian IT companies accounted for less than 1,400 of the 1,17,849 PERM certificates issued last year. This is less than two percent. Hence its direct impact may be less than initially estimated. According to the PERM tracker website, Capgemini made 98 applications in 2026, compared to 361 in 2025 and 300 in 2024. Cognizant made 1,236 applications in 2024. Company figures for 2025 and 2026 are not available.

What is Permanent Labor Certificate?

A Permanent Labor Certification issued by the US Department of Labor allows an employer to hire a foreign worker permanently in the US. For professionals working in the United States on a work visa, the PERM application is considered the first step in the process of obtaining a green card or permanent residence.