In a welcome development for thousands of foreign tech workers in the United States, Google has signaled its intention to significantly increase green card sponsorships starting in 2026. This comes after a multi year pause triggered by widespread layoffs and economic uncertainties in the tech industry, leaving many employees on temporary visas in limbo regarding their long term future in the country.
According to an internal company newsletter shared with employees in December 2025, Google plans to ramp up filings under the Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) process next year. PERM is the critical first step in employer-sponsored employment-based green cards, where companies must prove to the U.S. Department of Labor that no qualified American workers are available for the position and that hiring a foreign national won’t harm U.S. labor conditions.
While Google handled a limited number of PERM applications in 2025, the upcoming expansion represents a meaningful restart of the program on a larger scale. Eligible staff can expect outreach from the company’s external immigration lawyers as early as the first quarter of 2026 to begin the process.
Who Qualifies for Google’s Green Card Sponsorship?
Not all employees will automatically be included. Google has outlined clear criteria to ensure fairness and compliance:
- Job Requirements: Roles must typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher, along with relevant prior professional experience.
- Performance Standards: Employees need at least a Moderate Impact (MI) rating or better in their annual reviews, meaning they must be in good standing with strong contributions.
- Office Presence: Staff must be based in a Google office location. Fully remote workers are generally ineligible unless they commit to relocating to an approved office site.
- Level Considerations: Those in entry-level positions (Level 3 or below) are less likely to qualify, as these roles often don’t meet the specialized requirements for PERM.
Thus selective approach reflects the company’s effort to prioritize high-impact roles while navigating the complex U.S. immigration system.
For more details on the PERM labor certification process, visit the official U.S. Department of Labor website: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/permanent.
Why This Update Matters So Much Right Now
The timing of Google’s announcement couldn’t be more significant. H-1B visa holders—many of whom are from countries like India and China with massive green card backlogs—have endured years of heightened stress. The tech sector’s layoffs starting in 2023 forced companies like Google to halt new PERM filings to avoid complications with labor market testing during high unemployment.
Adding to the challenges in 2025, H-1B workers faced soaring visa fees, prolonged processing delays, and warnings from employers (including Google) against international travel due to risks of being stranded abroad during visa stamping. Recent policy shifts have only amplified fears about job security, family planning, and the ability to put down roots in the U.S.
A green card offers transformative stability: freedom from visa renewals, the right to change jobs more easily, and a clear path to citizenship. For families, it means better access to education, healthcare, and opportunities without the constant threat of expiration dates. Google’s move could help retain top global talent, boost employee morale, and signal confidence in the company’s growth trajectory amid an evolving immigration landscape.
Whils backlogs remain a hurdle (especially for certain nationalities), this expansion provides real hope for many dedicated professionals who have contributed immensely to innovation at one of the world’s leading tech firms. As the tech industry stabilizes, similar steps from other giants could follow, easing the path to permanent residency for skilled immigrants across the sector.
READ MORE: Expanded Digital Vetting for H-1B and H-4 Visa Applicants: A Comprehensive Update
