IBM Consulting Halts Visa and Green Card Sponsorship for Many Roles

IBM Consulting Ends Visa and Green Card Sponsorship for Many Roles

IBM has announced a significant change in its U.S. immigration sponsorship policies, specifically impacting its IBM Consulting division. The company will stop sponsoring visas and green cards for a majority of roles within this division. This decision affects both current employees and potential hires who rely on employer sponsorship for their immigration status.

The change, announced on November 10, 2026, means that many individuals working in IBM Consulting may need to consider relocating outside the United States or leaving the company by the end of 2026. The exact number of affected employees has not been disclosed, but IBM Consulting is a large division with over 150,000 workers. This move raises questions for many about their future employment and immigration pathways.

Understanding the Scope of the Announcement

IBM’s announcement specifies that the sponsorship changes apply to a “majority of certain roles” within IBM Consulting. This means not every position in the division is affected, and the company has not provided a comprehensive list of the job titles included or excluded. The announcement mentions H-1B visas and PERM applications, which is a step towards obtaining a green card. However, it is unclear if these are the only immigration programs impacted.

For employees and candidates, it is crucial to understand that simply working in IBM Consulting does not automatically mean their role is covered by this new policy. Similarly, the announcement does not automatically exempt any specific job or employee. IBM has not yet provided a clear start date for this policy change or detailed rules for how existing cases will be handled.

Options for Affected IBM Consulting Employees

An internal document shared with managers in IBM Consulting outlines two primary options for employees whose roles are affected by the sponsorship changes. These options are:

• Continue working for IBM outside the United States: This path suggests that IBM may offer positions in other countries for employees who wish to remain with the company. However, details regarding the availability of such positions, relocation terms, and specific locations are not yet clear. Employees considering this option need to confirm with IBM about available roles and the transition process.
• Leave the company at the end of 2026: For those who cannot or choose not to relocate internationally, or if no suitable overseas position is available, leaving IBM at the end of the year is presented as an alternative. This option implies a deadline for affected employees to make their career decisions.

It is important to note that these options are described in an internal document and may not represent a guaranteed outcome for every affected employee. Individual circumstances and IBM’s specific offers will likely determine the feasibility of each path.

Reasons Behind IBM’s Decision

IBM has stated that the decision to discontinue visa and green card sponsorship for most roles in IBM Consulting is due to evolving skill availability and client needs. The company indicated that its reliance on high-skilled visa programs to fill skill gaps has been declining over the years. As the availability of certain skills has changed and client demands have shifted, IBM has opted to adjust its sponsorship practices.

This decision also comes at a time of broader changes in U.S. employment-based immigration policies. While IBM’s announcement is a company-specific decision, it occurs against a backdrop of increased scrutiny and policy adjustments by the government. For instance, the White House announced a one-time $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions starting in 2025, and some companies were suspended from the PERM process. These broader trends may have influenced IBM’s strategic review of its immigration sponsorship practices.

What Employees and Candidates Should Do

Individuals working in or applying for roles within IBM Consulting who require immigration sponsorship should seek direct clarification from IBM or the relevant recruiting contact. Key questions to ask include:

• Is my specific role included in this sponsorship change?
• Does this decision apply to the immigration program I am involved with (e.g., H-1B, green card)?
• When will this new policy officially begin?
• How will IBM handle my current H-1B visa or pending green card application?
• If an overseas role is an option, what specific positions, locations, and timelines can IBM offer?

It is also advisable for employees with ongoing immigration cases to consult with an immigration lawyer. The company’s announcement does not automatically alter an individual’s legal immigration status or resolve pending applications. Understanding the specifics of one’s own situation and obtaining clear answers from IBM is the most critical step for affected individuals.

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