The technology industry has already been reshaped by layoffs, cost-cutting and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), making career moves tougher.
But there are other routes to a US green card. People with exceptional accomplishments or whose work advances national interests may be eligible for categories that bypass the PERM labour certification process.
Applicants can also qualify for permanent residency by investing at least $800,000 in eligible US enterprises.
Gulek warns some of these categories “may be targeted next.”
While Chothani says some are so keen to stay in the US that they are considering the EB-5 investor route but may not have enough capital to invest.
Nearly one million Indian nationals were waiting for employment-based green cards as of December 2025, representing 79% of the total pending applications, according to the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP).
Their report projects wait times ranging from five to 179 years for highly skilled Indians filing labour certification or employment-based immigration petitions from January 2026, depending on the visa category.
Like other recent immigration measures, the PERM suspension may face federal court challenges. But together, these moves signal a more restrictive climate for those hoping to study, work or settle in the US.
Earlier, the Trump administration imposed a $100,000 fee on certain new H-1B visa petitions, a measure that was later struck down by federal courts. More recently, it has also proposed a $70,000 fee for universities recommending international students for a programme that allows graduates to work in the country after completing their studies.
“This trend is not changing anytime soon,” said an Indian professional, who spoke to BBC on condition of anonymity and has transitioned to an H-1B visa recently after a “long wait”. He says both the Republican Party and the Democratic Party agree immigration laws need reform, even if they disagree on how.
Some research suggests that restrictions could shift jobs to India rather than to American workers. This is supported by industry players saying that they are already witnessing an increase in companies offshoring work.
“Companies benefit from cost arbitrage when they move work offshore. Post Covid, there is also greater acceptance and appreciation for remote work from clients,” the executive from the tech firm earlier quoted says.
Experts believe America’s appetite for Indian tech talent is unlikely to disappear. What may be changing is how it taps that talent. For Indian professionals, that could mean rewriting the script about building a future in the US.
