Google to Scale Up Green Card Sponsorship for Employees in 2026; New Eligibility Guidelines Released

Google plans to increase green card sponsorships for employees from 2026, according to a report by Business Insider. The company has informed staff that it will ramp up filings under the US Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programme, which is required for foreign workers moving from temporary visas to permanent residency in the US. 

The expansion follows a period of reduced filings and will apply only to employees who meet specific internal criteria set by the company. 

Pause and Limited Filings in Recent Years 

Google had paused most PERM applications in January 2023, the same month it announced layoffs affecting about 12,000 employees. Several other large technology companies had also slowed or stopped green card sponsorships during that period amid job cuts. 

According to the report, Google continued to file PERM applications for a small number of employees during 2025. The planned increase in 2026 marks a restart of the programme. 

Timeline and Process 

An internal memo reviewed by Business Insider stated that eligible employees will be contacted by Google’s external legal counsel in the first quarter of 2026. PERM is the first formal step in the green card process and requires employers to certify that no qualified US workers are available for the role. 

The process is commonly used by technology firms to support employees on visas such as the H-1B. 

Role and Location Conditions 

Google said employees must be working in roles that require a degree and prior work experience to qualify. The memo also stated that employees working remotely will not be eligible unless they agree to relocate to a Google office. 

The company noted that PERM applications are tied to specific job locations, making physical office presence a requirement for sponsorship. 

Performance and Job Level Requirements 

Eligibility will also depend on performance ratings and job level. Employees at Level 3 or below are considered less likely to meet the criteria. In addition, employees must have a “moderate impact” (MI) rating or higher under Google’s performance review system. 

Staff who are not in good standing with the company will not be considered for green card sponsorship. 

Broader Context 

The decision comes at a time of continued uncertainty for foreign workers in the US technology sector. Policy changes, higher visa fees and processing delays have added pressure to visa timelines. 

Business Insider has previously reported that Google’s legal advisers warned some visa-holding employees against international travel due to extended processing delays. 

Read More: New Zealand Opens 5,000 Work Visa Slots for Indians Under Fresh Trade Agreement! 

Conclusion 

Google’s plan to expand PERM filings in 2026 represents a structured return to green card sponsorships, with eligibility defined by role requirements, location and performance criteria. 

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