International Business Machines (IBM) is ending visa and green card sponsorship for most positions in its largest division, IBM Consulting, as the Trump administration tightens immigration rules for foreign workers in the United States.
The decision was reported by Bloomberg, citing an internal company document and a statement from an IBM spokesperson.
The move comes amid increased scrutiny of employment-based immigration programs, particularly the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialized occupations.
What IBM Announced
“We have made the decision to stop sponsoring visas and green cards for the majority of these roles in IBM Consulting,” an IBM spokesperson told Bloomberg.
The company said participation in U.S. programs for highly skilled foreign workers had historically helped fill specific talent shortages. However, its reliance on these programs has declined over the past several years as the availability of skilled professionals and client requirements have changed.
According to an internal document reviewed by Bloomberg and distributed to managers this week, affected employees will have two options: continue working for IBM outside the United States or leave the company at the end of the year.
IBM Consulting Has More Than 150,000 Employees
IBM Consulting employs more than 150,000 people, according to Bloomberg, citing the company’s website. It is the technology giant’s largest division, providing consulting and technology implementation services to businesses and other clients.
Technology companies have traditionally relied on the H-1B program to recruit software engineers, consultants, artificial intelligence specialists and other highly skilled professionals from abroad.
IBM’s decision could affect foreign workers whose ability to remain employed in the United States depends on employer-sponsored immigration status.
IBM’s H-1B Visa Numbers
According to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), IBM received approval for 1,611 H-1B visa petitions in fiscal year 2026, which ended September 30. That compares with 2,045 approvals in the previous fiscal year.
Since 2009, IBM has received a total of 27,863 H-1B approvals, placing it 20th among all employers participating in the program, according to USCIS data.
Trump’s Broader Immigration Crackdown
Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has increased pressure on major technology companies to train and hire more American workers. His administration has also pursued changes intended to make it more difficult for employers to bring foreign professionals into the country through the H-1B program.
Among the proposed and announced changes are a $100,000 fee for certain new H-1B petitions and stricter rules for the annual visa selection process, including greater preference for employers offering higher salaries.
IBM is not the only technology company facing increased scrutiny.
Last month, the Trump administration accused Microsoft, Adobe and six other companies of abusing one of the U.S. employment visa programs and permanently suspended them from participating in that program.
IBM’s decision marks another significant development in the changing landscape for foreign professionals seeking employment opportunities in the American technology industry.
