Hajra Naz
Google has told employees it plans to ramp up PERM applications in 2026, according to an internal memo reviewed by Business Insider. PERM is the first major step in the U.S. green card process and is commonly used by tech companies to transition workers from temporary visas to permanent residency.
The company paused most PERM filings in early 2023 amid widespread layoffs. The new update signals a broader restart of the program, though eligibility will remain limited.
What PERM Means for Google Employees
PERM allows companies to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residence by proving there are no qualified U.S. candidates available for the role. For many tech workers, it is the pathway from an H-1B visa to a green card.
In a December internal newsletter, Google told staff that eligible employees would be contacted by the company’s external immigration lawyers in the first quarter of 2026.
Who Will Be Eligible
Not all Google employees will qualify for PERM sponsorship. According to the memo, eligibility depends on several criteria.
Employees must work in roles that require a degree and prior professional experience. They must also be office-based. Remote employees will only qualify if they agree to transfer to a Google office.
Performance also matters. Employees must be in good standing with the company and hold a “moderate impact” (MI) rating or higher in performance reviews. Those in Level 3 roles or below are less likely to meet the requirements.
Increased Visa Uncertainty in Tech
The announcement comes during a period of growing uncertainty for tech workers on visas. Rising H-1B fees and longer processing delays have added pressure across the industry.
Google’s immigration lawyers recently advised visa holders to avoid international travel due to significant delays, according to earlier reporting.
Why Google Paused PERM Applications
Google halted PERM filings in January 2023, the same month it laid off around 12,000 employees. Other major tech companies, including Amazon and Meta, took similar steps at the time.
The layoffs flooded the job market with U.S.-based candidates, making it harder for companies to meet PERM requirements, which are designed to protect domestic workers.
Read More: Google experiments with an email-powered productivity assistant
A Gradual Return to Sponsorship
While Google continued filing PERM applications for a small number of employees in 2025, the 2026 plan represents a broader expansion of the program, according to a person familiar with the matter.
A Google spokesperson declined to comment on the memo or the company’s future immigration plans.
