Labor Department Suspended Major Tech Firms From Visa Program
The suspension affects companies that requested millions of foreign workers since 2009 amid ongoing federal investigations.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Employment
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The United States Department of Labor has suspended major technology and IT companies, including Microsoft and Adobe, from the Permanent Labour Certification Program. These suspensions follow multiple active federal investigations into the hiring practices of these firms.
Why it matters
The Department of Labor took this action as part of an effort to protect American workers and ensure the integrity of the immigration system. It marks a significant shift in federal oversight for major firms that have historically relied on these labor certification channels.
Since 2009, these firms have requested nearly 3 million foreign workers. Reported data indicates a $20,000 wage deficit for H-1B visa holders and a $48,000 wage deficit for foreign outsourcing roles compared to American workers.
The players
Keith Sonderling
United States Labour Secretary responsible for the current enforcement and oversight of federal labor programs.
Microsoft
A major technology firm suspended from the Permanent Labour Certification Program.
Adobe
A technology company suspended from the Permanent Labour Certification Program.
The details
The Department of Labor initiated these suspensions based on active federal investigations into recruitment and hiring practices. Simultaneously, the Department of Homeland Security proposed new fees for F-1 non-immigrant students in the Optional Practical Training program. These combined actions aim to tighten oversight of labor programs and address disparities in wage competition between foreign and domestic employees.
Timeline
The tracking of visa and labor certifications for these firms began in 2009.
Federal oversight actions occurred in October 2026.
Money Landscape
This move marks a departure from the historical application of the Permanent Labour Certification Program. It signifies an intensified federal focus on the wage impacts of foreign labor programs on the domestic workforce.
Households in the technology sector should monitor how these firm-specific suspensions influence long-term labor supply and internal corporate compensation trends. Consider discussing the implications of these federal policy changes on your industry's hiring outlook with a financial professional.
The takeaway
These suspensions underscore an ongoing federal effort to re-examine the role of foreign labor in domestic technology wages. Keep track of forthcoming Department of Homeland Security fee updates for F-1 visa holders, as these may shift costs for households engaged in academic and training programs.
Further reading
For more on changes to federal labor policy, see our Employment coverage.
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Should the government restrict companies from hiring foreign workers to prioritize domestic labor?
