October 13, 2026
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has said that green cards have never been a central component of its workforce strategy, as the IT services major reduces permanent residency applications for H-1B employees and expands local recruitment in the United States.
TCS CEO K. Krithivasan said the US suspension of green card processing would not significantly change the company’s approach to talent management. He noted that applications for permanent residency filed by the company in recent years had fallen to single-digit levels, as explained by the company’s human resources leadership.
The company has been increasing its reliance on locally recruited professionals in the US, who now account for 50 per cent of its workforce. TCS plans to hire an additional 15,000 employees in the country over the next five years. Of its approximately 30,000-strong US workforce, around 11,000 employees are on H-1B visas.
Krithivasan explained that the company’s operating model involves employees travelling from India to the US for client assignments lasting two to three years before returning. He highlighted the continuous movement of talent between onsite and offshore operations as a key feature of its workforce strategy.
TCS also said fresher recruitment would remain aligned with business demand rather than a predetermined annual target of 40,000. The company hired 10,000 fresh graduates in the September quarter, compared with 14,000 in the preceding quarter.
Meanwhile, TCS has increased its intake of AI-native talent from Indian universities by 50 per cent as it strengthens its artificial intelligence capabilities. Chief Human Resources Officer Sudeep Kunnumal said these recruits were adapting naturally to AI-led work and delivering strong results for clients.
The company added 4,258 employees during the quarter, taking its total headcount to approximately 5.9 lakh. Its annualised AI revenue crossed $3.1 billion, contributing more than 10 per cent of overall revenue.
Krithivasan also highlighted emerging AI-led engagements, including projects involving Porsche and Best Buy, in which TCS helps clients rethink their operating models to adapt to changing business requirements. The company aims to help organisations transition towards AI-first operations rather than focusing solely on revenue acquisition or protecting existing business.
TCS expects growing demand for AI services to compensate for productivity-driven pricing pressures in traditional technology services. However, Krithivasan indicated that a more decisive shift in the balance could take between six quarters and three years. He added that technology spending could remain stable or rise modestly as businesses invest in AI, technology modernisation and operational improvements.
Source: TNN