Microsoft barred from sponsoring foreign workers for permanent residency

The U.S. government has suspended Microsoft from the federal PERM program, which lets companies sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency. Officials cited claims that Microsoft laid off American workers while hiring foreign nationals, calling the company's use of the system abusive. This move doesn't block Microsoft from hiring on H-1B visas, but stops it from sponsoring new green card applicants through PERM. Microsoft is the largest user of this program.

• Microsoft suspended from U.S. PERM sponsorship program
• Decision follows allegations of laying off Americans, hiring abroad
• H-1B visa hiring is not affected by the suspension
• Microsoft had over 3,000 PERM cases ruled in most recent fiscal year
• Amazon and Google also use PERM, but at lower levels