IBM’s Visa shock for consulting unit: 150,000 workers either move abroad or quit

IBM is ending US visa and green card sponsorship for most roles in its consulting division, leaving affected employees with a difficult choice: relocate outside the US and continue working for the company or leave their jobs by December 31. The decision comes amid tighter US immigration rules, including the $100,000 fee on certain new H-1B petitions, and a changing business strategy at IBM. But why is the tech giant making this move, how many employees could be affected and what does it mean for Indian IT professionals working in the US? We explain.