IBM ends visa sponsorship for consulting roles

International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM) has stopped immigration sponsorship for most positions in its consulting division after the Trump administration tightened restrictions on a visa program used by technology companies, according to a report Tuesday from Bloomberg News, citing a spokesperson.

The company will no longer sponsor visas and green cards for most roles in IBM Consulting, an IBM spokesperson said. Affected workers can either transfer to IBM positions outside the United States or leave the company at the end of the year, according to a document shared with managers this week.

IBM Consulting is the company’s largest division, employing more than 150,000 workers. IBM shares fell about 1% Tuesday morning.

The Trump administration has increased pressure on technology companies to hire American workers since the president returned to office last year. The administration has proposed changes to the H-1B visa program, including $100,000 filing fees for most candidates and modified lottery rules that give priority to companies offering higher salaries.

Last month, the administration suspended Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT), Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:ADBE) and several other companies from using a worker visa program, accusing them of program abuse.

The IBM spokesperson said the consulting division used skilled worker visa programs to address skill shortages. The spokesperson added that participation in these programs has declined over several years as skill availability and client needs have changed.