India Tells US Skilled Worker Mobility Benefits Both Economies After New PERM Policy Move

India has emphasised that talent mobility benefits both the Indian and American economies, following a decision by the United States to suspend applications under the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programme for certain companies. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday that the movement of skilled professionals creates opportunities for Indian workers while helping American businesses access talent that contributes to innovation, research and productivity.

Jaiswal remarks came amid concerns about the possible implications of the US decision for Indian professionals employed by affected companies, particularly those seeking permanent residency. Jaiswal highlighted the economic value of skilled workers moving between countries, stressing that talent mobility offers benefits to both sides. Indian professionals contribute their expertise to American companies, universities and research activities, while the US gains access to workers with skills that can support business expansion, technological development and productivity.

His comments underlined India's position that professional mobility should be viewed in the context of the contributions workers make to their host economies as well as the opportunities they create for their home country. The remarks came as the US labour certification decision raised questions about how certain employment-based immigration processes could be affected. The US Department of Labor has suspended applications under the Permanent Labor Certification programme for certain companies. PERM is a key stage in the employment-based immigration process for many foreign workers seeking permanent residence in the United States.

The programme generally involves an employer seeking labour certification before proceeding with an employment-based green card petition in eligible cases. The suspension could therefore affect the ability of employees at the companies covered by the move to progress through the permanent residency process. The extent of the impact will depend on the scope of the suspension, the employers concerned and the circumstances of individual applications.

Jaiswal clarified that the decision would not affect the validity of H-1B visas held by Indian professionals or the immigration status of their dependents. H-1B visas allow eligible US employers to hire foreign workers in certain specialised occupations, subject to applicable immigration rules. The distinction between temporary work authorisation and permanent residency is important because the PERM process is associated with employment-based green card applications, rather than the validity of an existing H-1B visa itself.

Indian employees who hold valid H-1B visas are therefore not automatically affected in their current visa status merely because PERM applications have been suspended for certain companies. However, those pursuing permanent residency could face consequences for their green card applications. The MEA spokesperson noted that the US move could have some impact on the permanent residency or green card process for eligible employees of the affected companies.

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A green card provides lawful permanent resident status in the United States, while an H-1B visa generally provides temporary permission to work for an eligible employer under specified conditions. These are separate immigration pathways, and a disruption to one stage of the permanent residency process does not necessarily invalidate an existing temporary work visa. Nevertheless, delays or restrictions affecting labour certification can create uncertainty for employees whose green card applications depend on that step. The possible consequences will vary according to each applicant's stage in the process and the rules governing the suspension.

For Indian professionals working in the United States, the distinction may be particularly relevant because many rely on employer-sponsored immigration routes to pursue long-term residence. Employees whose employers are affected by the suspension may need to establish whether their applications fall within its scope and how the decision affects the next steps in their cases. Employers may also need to review pending labour certification applications and determine what options remain available under US immigration rules. The information provided by Jaiswal did not specify how many Indian workers could be affected, which companies were covered or how long the suspension would remain in force.

India's response focused on the broader importance of professional mobility to economic cooperation between the two countries. Skilled Indian workers have a presence across sectors including technology, research and other specialised fields, while American employers use international recruitment to fill roles requiring particular expertise. Jaiswal's remarks framed talent movement as a relationship that can generate value for both countries rather than as a one-sided benefit. At the same time, the potential effect of the PERM suspension on eligible employees' permanent residency applications remains a concern for workers seeking to establish their long-term future in the United States.

The immediate implications of the US decision will depend on the companies and applications covered by the suspension. As Jaiswal explained, existing H-1B visa validity and the status of dependents will not be affected by the measure, although the green card process for eligible employees could face an impact. Indian professionals and their employers will need to assess the relevant requirements and any official guidance concerning affected applications. India's emphasis on the mutual benefits of talent mobility comes as the two economies remain connected through the movement of skilled workers, knowledge and expertise.

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