Microsoft Green-Card Labor Program Suspension Explained

What does the Microsoft green-card program suspension mean?

The Department of Labor announced that Microsoft and Adobe are suspended from its Permanent Labor Certification program, according to reporting published October 8, 2026 ². The program is part of a process employers use when seeking permanent residence for certain foreign workers. A green card is a US document showing permanent-resident status.

The reports describe a restriction on the companies’ access to this labor-certification program. They do not say that the government has cancelled workers’ H-1B visas or revoked green cards already granted ¹². Those are different immigration matters, and the sources do not spell out every possible effect on individual workers.

Does this stop H-1B workers from applying for green cards?

Not necessarily, based on the information available. The announced action concerns employer applications through the Labor Department’s certification program. The reports do not say that all H-1B workers, or workers at other employers, are barred from seeking permanent residence ¹².

For workers at Microsoft or Adobe, the practical effect may depend on whether an application is new, already submitted, or at another stage of the process. The sources do not explain how the department will handle pending cases, so workers should not assume that a particular application is approved, denied, or paused.

Why were Microsoft and Adobe suspended?

Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling cited multiple active federal investigations involving the companies’ participation in the program, CNBC reported ². The available account does not identify the investigations, describe evidence, or report a final finding of wrongdoing.

Vice President JD Vance accused Microsoft of abusing the system, while the administration said it was targeting alleged fraud in employment-based immigration ¹⁴. These are allegations and explanations from government officials, not findings established in the information provided here. The sources do not include a detailed response from Microsoft or Adobe.

Which other companies are affected?

The reports name Adobe as well as Microsoft. They also say the Labor Department will not accept or process new applications under the program from several other companies, including Cognizant, Infosys, Capgemini, Tata, Wipro and HCL ². The Verge also lists Cognizant and Infosys among companies suspended ⁴.

The reporting does not make every company’s status and the precise scope of restrictions equally clear. The Labor Department announcement and the companies’ own updates would be useful sources for confirming current details.

What should workers watch for next?

The central unanswered questions are how long the restrictions will last, whether existing applications will be processed, and what the investigations will establish. The reports do not provide a timetable or explain what employers may do next ¹².

Workers who may be affected can ask their employer or immigration representative how the announcement applies to their particular case. This article cannot determine an individual’s immigration status or provide legal advice. For current rules and case-specific guidance, consult official government information or a qualified immigration professional.