IBM Ends US Visa and Green Card Sponsorship for Majority of Consulting Roles

Technology major IBM has stated that it is ending US visa and green card sponsorship for a majority of roles in its Consulting division. The division currently employs more than 150,000 people globally.

The announcement comes amid tighter regulatory scrutiny surrounding foreign technology hiring under the administration of Donald Trump. Last month, the administration suspended several major technology firms and outsourcers—including Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, and Tata Consultancy Services—from the Permanent Labor Certification process, which serves as a key step toward green cards for foreign workers.

A company spokesperson noted that while IBM Consulting has historically utilized US high-skilled visa programs to address skill shortages, participation in these programs has been declining for several years. The company decided to phase out sponsorship for most of these roles as client needs and skill availability have evolved over time.

According to reports citing internal company documents, employees affected by this policy shift are being given the option to either relocate and work with IBM outside the United States or leave the company by the end of the year.

This policy change follows broader financial and regulatory shifts in the US high-skilled labor sector. Last year, the White House announced a one-time $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, adding significant cost pressures to employers relying on foreign tech talent.

"IBM's decision to halt visa and green card sponsorships for its consulting division highlights a major shift in how large technology enterprises manage talent acquisition amid changing regulatory landscapes. With increasing costs like the $100,000 H-1B fee and stricter compliance measures, global firms are clearly recalibrating their operational models. For the broader business ecosystem, this underscores the importance of building localized talent pipelines and adapting quickly to shifting immigration policies." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes