On October 9, 2026, the United States government suspended the Permanent Labor Certification Programme, a key step in the employment‑based green card process. The move immediately affected the pipeline that many Indian technology professionals have used to gain long‑term work authorization in the United States. By halting this step, the US introduced a new barrier for firms that rely on bringing Indian talent overseas for extended periods. The suspension was noted as a significant policy shift, one that could alter how companies plan their workforce needs across borders.
Minister Priyank Kharge of India observed that the suspension would raise operational costs for American companies that depend on Indian tech workers. Without the ability to secure permanent labor certification, firms face more complicated and expensive visa pathways, which can increase the overall expense of deploying staff from India. Kharge also pointed out that the change reduces flexibility in moving Indian professionals between projects and locations in the United States. The traditional outsourcing model, which often involved shifting teams to the US for longer engagements, now encounters logistical and financial hurdles that could make it less attractive.
US green card curbs could push high-value tech jobs to India: Priyank Kharge Kharge says restrictions on employment-based immigration could raise costs for Indian IT outsourcing firms but create opportunities for global capability centres and R&D in India. Read More: https://t.co/xYezTzlRjY
Despite the challenges, Kharge suggested that the US decision could accelerate the growth of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India. He argued that, with greater difficulty in sending staff abroad, companies may choose to locate more high‑value work—such as research and development, engineering, and product development—directly inside Indian GCCs. This shift, he said, would move India beyond its role as a pure IT service provider toward becoming a hub for artificial intelligence, deep technology, and innovation. In his view, the policy change could ultimately strengthen India’s standing as a global centre for advanced technological work.
Despite the challenges, Kharge suggested that the US decision could accelerate the growth of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India.