US firms relocate talent, speed up green cards amid H-1B visa uncertainty

U.S. employers are shifting some foreign workers to overseas offices and accelerating green card sponsorship as they grapple with ongoing uncertainty around the H-1B visa program, according to industry sources.

The moves come as the annual H-1B lottery and policy changes have made it harder for companies to predict whether they can retain skilled international talent. Some firms are relocating employees to Canada, India, or other countries where they can work while awaiting U.S. visa approvals.

At the same time, companies are speeding up the permanent residency process for current H-1B holders, aiming to lock in talent before potential policy shifts. The strategy helps employers avoid disruptions from visa denials or caps that could force valued workers to leave.

Immigration attorneys report a surge in demand for green card filings and advice on alternative visa categories. The trend reflects a broader recalibration of how U.S. businesses manage their global workforces amid a restrictive immigration landscape.