Bay Area tech worker voices concerns over green card hurdles and job market stress
H-1B visa holders in the United States are facing mounting challenges as labor market competition intensifies, according to recent online discussions among professionals. A tech manager based in the Bay Area, who has been working with Oracle and SAP since 2020, described how their employer’s PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) process has stalled after the Labor Market Test (LMT) saw an unusually high number of American applicants.
“Honestly did not expect this since my role is very niche, but looks like the market is like this nowadays. Feeling very tense because the green card is my main plan for long-term settlement,” the professional wrote, highlighting the anxiety many immigrants face when their residency hopes depend on employer sponsorship.
Layoffs fueling competition
Others in the discussion pointed to a broader trend, noting that widespread layoffs have increased awareness among U.S. workers about PERM job postings. One commenter explained, “Americans are now far more aware of where companies are placing these ads, and in this layoff-heavy environment, there’s usually plenty of applicants. It’s going to be near impossible to legitimately pass an LMT.”
Some also suggested possible strategies to navigate the process. According to one user, niche employers or companies in less desirable locations—such as rural or low-demand regions—might offer a smoother path through PERM, as fewer qualified U.S. applicants are likely to apply.
Concerns about misuse of system
Alongside the competition, concerns of exploitation have also emerged. Some users warned that individuals may be applying for PERM-listed roles despite being unqualified, potentially complicating the process for genuine H-1B candidates.
One commenter argued, “These applications don’t actually give them jobs, but they mess things up for everyone. Companies can misuse this against H-1Bs, and many workers don’t realize that PERM isn’t an open hiring process—it’s only for those already employed.”
Disclaimer
This report is based on social media discussions, primarily from Reddit. The views and claims cited here belong to the original posters. They have not been independently verified by Hindustan Times.
