Cognizant PERM Suspension Amid US H-1B and Green Card Fraud Investigation(faqus-org)

What Happened at Cognizant

Cognizant halted its PERM labor certification filings after the US government opened an investigation into alleged H-1B and green card fraud. The suspension and the investigation are documented in federal court records. PERM is the first step in the employment-based green card process, so a halt at this stage stops new green card sponsorship through that channel for affected workers.

The inquiry covers both the H-1B temporary work visa program and the employment-based green card process. Cognizant is one of the largest IT services firms, and the pause affects how it can sponsor foreign nationals through the standard labor certification route.

Why a PERM Pause Matters

For an employer, PERM is the gate to the employment-based green card. Once PERM approval is received, the employer can file an I-140 immigrant petition. When the employer stops filing PERM, that gate closes for new cases. This does not necessarily mean existing green cards are revoked, but it does freeze the pipeline for workers who have not yet completed labor certification.

For H-1B workers at the company, the practical effect is uncertainty about long-term sponsorship. H-1B status itself allows temporary work, but the green card track often hinges on the employer's willingness and ability to file PERM. If that ability is suspended, workers may need to look at other options or wait.

What the Investigation Covers

The investigation covers alleged fraud in both the H-1B and green card processes. The government has not announced a finding of liability; the matter is under investigation, and the suspension appears to be a response while the inquiry proceeds.

What Workers Can Do

For workers whose PERM has not been filed, the immediate question is whether the employer will resume the process. Until the investigation is resolved, that is uncertain. Workers can monitor their status and consider whether other employers might sponsor them. For those with a pending PERM, the suspension may delay the whole chain.

Immigration options outside the employment-based track may exist, but those depend on individual circumstances and require case-specific advice. The information here is general and not legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a PERM suspension mean for Cognizant employees?

A PERM suspension means the employer has stopped filing new PERM labor certification applications. This delays the first step of the employment-based green card process for workers who have not yet obtained labor certification.

Is the investigation a finding of fraud?

The investigation is an inquiry, not a final determination. The court records document the investigation and the suspension, but they do not establish that fraud occurred.

Can affected workers transfer to another employer?

That depends on individual visa status and timing. An H-1B worker may be able to change employers if a new employer files a petition, but the specifics require case-by-case review. The information here is general and not legal advice.