IBM will stop sponsoring H-1B visas and employment-based green cards for most roles in its US consulting division. The move could leave many foreign professionals facing difficult decisions about their careers and future in the United States.

IBM Consulting has more than 150,000 employees worldwide, but the company has not disclosed how many workers will be affected by the sponsorship change. According to reports, affected employees may have to relocate to an IBM role outside the US or leave the company by the end of 2026. The decision comes amid stricter US immigration measures and increased scrutiny of employer-sponsored visas, creating further uncertainty for foreign workers, including Indian IT professionals.

Here is what the IBM H-1B visa sponsorship 2026 decision means for foreign employees, including Indian professionals in the USA.

What Is IBM’s New Visa Sponsorship Policy?

IBM is ending US visa and employment-based green card sponsorship for the majority of roles in IBM Consulting. The company says its participation in US high-skilled visa programs has declined over the years. It also cited changing skill availability and evolving client needs as reasons for the decision.

For foreign employees who depend on IBM for H-1B visa sponsorship or green card support, the change could have a major impact on their career plans. IBM has not clarified which positions, if any, will remain eligible for H-1B visa or green card sponsorship. The change marks a major shift in IBM visa sponsorship and IBM green card sponsorship for employees in its consulting division.

Who Will Be Affected by IBM’s Decision?

The policy mainly concerns foreign professionals working in IBM Consulting’s US operations who depend on employer-sponsored immigration benefits.

The employees most likely to feel the impact include H-1B visa holders whose continued employment in the US depends on IBM’s sponsorship. Workers who have already started their employment-based green card process could also face difficulties if IBM withdraws sponsorship or stops supporting their applications. The change may also affect employees who expected IBM to sponsor their H-1B visas or employment-based green card applications in the future.

However, the impact will vary depending on each employee’s immigration status and circumstances. Much depends on an employee’s current visa, job eligibility, and progress in the green card process. IBM has not disclosed the number of employees who may need to relocate or find another employer.

What Options Do Affected IBM Employees Have?

For employees covered by the new policy, the remaining weeks of 2026 could involve difficult decisions. According to a document reviewed by Bloomberg, affected employees can continue working for IBM from outside the United States or leave the company by the end of 2026.

Those who want to remain in the United States may have to find another employer willing to sponsor their work visas. Finding another company that offers H-1B visa sponsorship and filing an eligible change-of-employer petition is one possible route. However, changing employers involves immigration paperwork. Under H-1B portability rules, eligible workers may start working for a new employer once it properly files a qualifying H-1B petition, subject to applicable requirements.

Employees who are already pursuing an employment-based green card may need to be especially careful. Their options could depend on whether they have started the PERM labor certification process, received I-140 approval, or filed Form I-485 for adjustment of status.

Why Is IBM Ending Visa Sponsorship?

IBM says its business requirements and hiring needs have changed over the years. As the availability of skilled workers and client needs have changed, the company has gradually reduced its reliance on US high-skilled visa programs. The announcement also comes amid increased scrutiny of employment-based immigration and tighter restrictions on some US visa programs.

In October 2026, the US administration suspended several technology companies from the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) process. These included Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). PERM is an important step in many employment-based green card applications.

The White House had also announced a one-time $100,000 fee on certain new H-1B petitions in September 2025. The measure has faced legal challenges. However, IBM has mainly cited changing skill availability and client needs when explaining its sponsorship decision. This development is another important update in H-1B visa news as companies respond to changes in US immigration policy.

How Will IBM’s Decision Affect H-1B Visa and Green Card Holders?

For many foreign employees at IBM, the main question is how the decision could affect their US immigration status and employment. H-1B visa holders whose employment ends may be eligible for a discretionary grace period of up to 60 consecutive days, or until the end of their authorized validity period, whichever is shorter.

During this period, eligible workers may seek another employer, request a change of immigration status, or explore other lawful options. However, the grace period does not automatically allow them to continue working.

Employees who have already begun the employment-based green card process may face a different situation. Those in the early stages may need a new employer to begin a fresh sponsorship process, depending on their circumstances. Workers with an approved I-140 petition or a pending Form I-485 application may have additional options, depending on their eligibility and the stage of their case. An approved I-140 may also provide certain priority-date protections, subject to immigration rules.

However, IBM’s decision does not mean that every affected employee will automatically lose their H-1B status or existing green card application. The outcome will depend on their immigration status, the stage of their green card application, and whether they qualify for applicable immigration protections.

IBM’s H-1B Visa Sponsorship Has Declined in Recent Years

IBM’s H-1B petition approvals have declined over the past two fiscal years. Federal immigration data shows a steady drop in approved petitions filed under IBM Corporation’s name.

These figures cover IBM Corporation as a whole, not just IBM Consulting. They include new employment petitions as well as continuing petitions, such as extensions and amendments.

Therefore, the figures do not indicate how many IBM Consulting employees currently hold H-1B visas or how many workers will be affected by the new policy. The decline suggests that IBM has been relying less on H-1B sponsorship over the past few years.

What Should Affected IBM Employees Do Next?

Employees who may be affected should first contact IBM’s HR or immigration team to understand how the new policy affects their positions and sponsorship. They should also confirm whether IBM will continue supporting their immigration applications and what deadlines they must meet.

Those hoping to remain in the US can start looking for employers that offer H-1B visa sponsorship. Employees who are already pursuing an employment-based green card should consult an immigration attorney before changing employers, as the move could affect their applications.

Since immigration rules can be complicated, a qualified US immigration attorney can help employees understand their options, protect their immigration status, and meet important deadlines.

Affected employees should start planning early rather than wait until the end of 2026. IBM’s decision to end visa and green card sponsorship for most IBM Consulting roles could leave many foreign professionals, including Indian IT employees, reconsidering their plans in the United States.

Some may choose to find another US employer willing to sponsor their H-1B visas. Others may decide to relocate outside the US and continue working for IBM. With the December 2026 deadline approaching, employees will need to consider their job opportunities, immigration status, and family circumstances.

For those thinking about returning to India, planning their travel early may help them manage the relocation. They can compare international flights and check Indian Eagle deals for available airfare options that suit their travel plans and budget.

Before making a decision, affected employees should speak with IBM, review their immigration documents, and consult a qualified immigration attorney to understand their available options.

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