# Visa uncertainty is making it harder for some workers to plan their futures in the US

> Tech workers on visas are delaying major purchases and reconsidering their futures as immigration policy shifts and companies cut sponsorship.
- Title: Visa uncertainty is making it harder for some workers to plan…
- Summary: Tech workers on visas are delaying major purchases and reconsidering their futures as immigration policy shifts and companies cut sponsorship.
- Keywords: tech workers, h-1b visa, ibm, microsoft, green card, immigration policy, perm suspension, job sponsorship, Business Insider
- Source: Business Insider — https://businessinsider.com/tech-workers-visas-worry-about-futures-immigration-uncertainty-ibm-microsoft-2026-11
- Author: Jacob Zinkula
- Published: 2026-11-12T19:30:03.227+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tech workers, h-1b visa, ibm, microsoft, green card, immigration policy, perm suspension, job sponsorship, business, technology
## IBM ends visa sponsorship for consultants
IBM is ending visa and green card sponsorship for most roles in its consulting division, citing evolving skill availability and client needs as reasons.
## H-1B holder fears harder job searches ahead
Ashok Kumar, an H-1B visa holder who found a new employer in 60 days after losing his job in 2019, worries his next job search could be harder.
## Trump administration suspends major tech companies
In October, the Trump administration suspended Microsoft, Adobe, and six major IT services companies from the Permanent Labor Certification program, blocking new green card applications.
## Microsoft worker fears green card obstacles
A Microsoft employee preparing for her final H-1B visa lottery attempt worries the PERM suspension could block her path to a green card and staying long-term.

> You can do everything right, build a career at a company like Microsoft, and still not feel secure about your future here.
## Workers delay major life decisions
An F-1 STEM OPT visa holder delayed buying a car because he does not know how long he can remain in the US and raised the possibility of moving to Canada or the UK.
## Some workers remain committed despite uncertainty
Aman Goyal, an H-1B visa holder who came to the US in 2023, landed a new role in the Seattle area after being laid off and wants to build his network and learn about AI.

> I'm definitely interested in continuing to be here, meeting and building my network as much as possible, as well as learning about the next phases of AI as much as possible.
## Reactions to uncertainty vary widely
Some visa holders point out the PERM suspension affects only a handful of companies, while others have tuned out immigration news altogether to avoid exhaustion.
## Key takeaway

Tech visa holders are delaying purchases and reconsidering their US futures as companies cut sponsorship and immigration policy uncertainty grows.