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Cognizant makes it difficult for Indian employees to get green cards
Cognizant said it will no longer be filing applications for green cards under the EB2 and EB3 routes until further notice. The US-headquartered IT firm will continue to support existing applicants in the two categories, but it will suspend fresh filings, signaling its intent to ramp up its onsite presence.
As per sources, in an email to some employees, Cognizant in their long term objectives, will no longer be filing green card PERM (EB2 and EB3 applications) until further notice.
Cognizant’s move to halt processing of EB2 and EB3 applications could dash the hopes of many H-1B visa holders who are hoping for permanent residency.
“The EB1 route is typically used for senior management or professionals with extraordinary ability. EB2 and 3 visas are for skilled workers and professionals, mid and lower level employees,” said Mark Davies, managing partner, Davies & Associates. The EB1 visa offers employment based permanent residency for distinguished individuals who are recognized in their field — an outstanding professor or researcher, or a multinational executive or manager. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services says EB2 immigrant visa category is for professionals with advanced degrees and individuals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. An individual is eligible for EB3 visas if they’re skilled workers, requiring a minimum of 2 years training or work experience. A professional worker requires at least a US baccalaureate degree or a foreign equivalent.
In a recent earnings calls, Cognizant said they are reducing dependence on H-1B visas and they have applied for less than half the number of visas it sought last year. The IT firm is expanding hiring in its US delivery centers. The company hired over 1,000 technology and business professionals in its Tampa centre. It has also expanded its retraining programmes and are working with local institutions to implement special curricula that will help meet growing client needs. Cognizant hired 4,000 US citizens and residents last year, and has a global workforce of around 261,200 employees as in March 2017.
Source: TOI