IBM announced on November 10 that it would end U.S. visa and green card sponsorship for the majority of roles in its IBM Consulting division, which employs over 150,000 people worldwide. The decision follows years of declining participation in high-skilled visa programs and aligns with evolving client needs and skill availability, according to a company spokesperson.
Affected employees were informed they could either continue working for IBM outside the U.S. or leave the company by the end of the year, as reported by Bloomberg News in a document it said it had reviewed. The move comes as the Trump administration has intensified scrutiny of foreign tech hiring, including the suspension of major tech firms from key immigration programs.
Corporate Response & Rationale
IBM Consulting has historically relied on U.S. high-skilled visa programs, such as the H-1B visa and the PERM labor certification process, to address skill shortages. However, the company stated that participation in these programs has been declining for years, prompting the shift in policy. A spokesperson told Reuters that the decision reflects changes in client demand and available talent pools, rather than a response to external pressures alone.
Federal records indicate IBM’s H-1B petition approvals have dropped in recent fiscal years: over 3,000 in FY 2024, over 2,000 in FY 2025, and just over 1,600 in FY 2026. These figures apply to IBM as a whole and do not specify the number of IBM Consulting employees affected. The records also include extensions and amendments for existing visa holders, meaning the decline may not solely reflect new hires.
Policy Context & Government Actions
The announcement coincides with broader Trump administration policies targeting immigration pathways for tech workers. In September 2025, the White House introduced a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions, a proposal currently tied up in legal challenges. Additionally, the administration has suspended Microsoft, Adobe, and several major outsourcing firms—including Cognizant, Infosys, and Tata Consultancy Services—from the PERM process, citing concerns over fraud and abuse.
Vice President JD Vance stated in a September 2025 announcement that Microsoft had misused the PERM process, a claim the company has not publicly addressed in relation to IBM’s decision. The administration’s actions have raised questions about the future of high-skilled immigration pathways, particularly for multinational corporations reliant on global talent pools.
Impact on Workers & Industry Trends
While IBM has not disclosed the exact number of roles affected, the company’s 264,300 employees across its global operations suggest the change could impact a significant workforce segment. Affected employees on existing H-1B visas will no longer be eligible to apply for green cards through IBM’s sponsorship, though the company has not clarified whether current visa holders will be required to leave the U.S. or transition to alternative employment statuses.
The tech industry has long depended on programs like H-1B to fill specialized roles, but increasing regulatory scrutiny and policy shifts have led some companies to reassess their hiring strategies. IBM’s move may signal a broader trend among multinational firms to reduce reliance on U.S. immigration sponsorship in favor of local hiring or remote work arrangements.
Company Position & Future Outlook
IBM emphasized that the decision was driven by business evolution rather than external pressures. A spokesperson reiterated that the company remains committed to supporting its workforce globally, including opportunities outside the U.S. The policy change does not affect all roles in IBM Consulting, though the company has not specified which positions will still qualify for visa sponsorship.
Analysts suggest the shift could have long-term implications for the U.S. tech sector’s competitiveness, particularly if other companies follow IBM’s lead. The move also raises questions about the sustainability of high-skilled immigration programs amid shifting political and economic landscapes.