Tech giant Google has announced plans to fast-track Green Card sponsorship for eligible H-1B employees starting in 2026, providing significant relief to foreign workers on temporary visas in the United States. According to reports, the company shared details with staff through an internal newsletter, outlining that the PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) application process will be accelerated for qualifying employees next year.
The internal memo reportedly indicates that eligible employees can expect to be contacted by Google’s immigration legal teams in the first quarter of 2026. While Google has not made a public announcement about this initiative, industry experts note that the move comes amid stringent U.S. immigration policies, higher visa fees, and social media vetting requirements, which have posed challenges for H-1B visa holders.
PERM Process and Its Importance
The PERM process is a crucial step in the U.S. employment-based Green Card system. Tech companies use it to sponsor foreign employees for permanent residency. Approval of a PERM application is necessary before an employee can advance in the Green Card process. Employers must demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact U.S. workers and that no qualified American candidates are available for the position.
During periods of workforce reductions, sponsoring foreign employees has been particularly challenging. In January 2023, Google laid off 12,000 employees worldwide and temporarily paused PERM filings. Other major tech firms, including Amazon and Meta, also delayed sponsorships during layoffs. While Google submitted only a limited number of PERM applications in the past year, it plans to accelerate the process starting in 2026.
Eligibility and Implementation
Not all foreign employees at Google will automatically qualify for PERM sponsorship. Eligibility will depend on educational qualifications, relevant work experience, seniority, and performance. The program applies primarily to employees working on-site at Google offices; remote employees must relocate to qualify.
With this initiative, Google aims to streamline the Green Card process for its eligible H-1B workforce, offering greater stability and certainty for international employees planning permanent residency in the United States.