Cognizant news
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The gist
US Labor Department suspended Cognizant's PERM filings amid visa fraud probe.
This affects its ability to sponsor foreign workers for green cards.
Background
Cognizant, an India-founded IT services company headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey, is one of the largest petitioners for H-1B visas in the US. The suspension follows a nationwide fraud investigation launched in July by the Trump administration into alleged misuse of H-1B and PERM visa programs, prompted by whistleblower complaints. The move is part of a broader crackdown on visa fraud and comes amid concerns about AI's impact on the IT services industry.
How it unfolded
- Jul 2026The Trump administration launched a major investigation into alleged fraud involving H-1B and PERM employment visa programs.
- Sep 8, 2026The US Department of Labor suspended Cognizant's PERM filings, preventing new filings until the investigation is completed.
- Sep 8, 2026Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito announced the suspension on X, warning of consequences and saying 'Handcuffs await'.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- US Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito stated, 'Fighting fraud is a TEAM SPORT... Threats to American workers will NOT be tolerated.'
- Analysts
- Analysts note that Cognizant's dependence on H-1B visas has reduced over the years, with LCA filings dropping from 10,189 in 2018 to 3,436 in 2025.
Still unverified
The specific details of the alleged fraud are not publicly disclosed; the investigation is ongoing.