Google to resume green card applications in 2026: What H-1B visa holders need to know about PERM

Google’s green card restart in 2026: What PERM means for H-1B visa holders

Google has told employees that it plans to restart and significantly scale up US green card applications through the PERM programme in 2026, marking a major shift in its immigration policy after a three-year pause, according to a report by Business Insider.

The move was communicated to staff through an internal December newsletter and comes after Google largely halted PERM filings in January 2023, when the company announced layoffs affecting around 12,000 employees globally. The pause had added to uncertainty for thousands of tech workers in the US on temporary visas, particularly H-1B holders.

PERM, short for Program Electronic Review Management, is a US Department of Labor process that allows employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency. It is a critical step for employees on temporary work visas seeking a green card, as companies must demonstrate that hiring a foreign national will not harm US workers or job prospects.

According to the internal memo reviewed by Business Insider, Google said it would begin “ramping up” PERM applications next year, with eligible employees expected to hear from the company’s external immigration lawyers in the first quarter of 2026. A Google spokesperson declined to comment publicly on the plan.

The company had sharply reduced PERM filings during the tech industry downturn, when widespread layoffs made it harder for firms to meet the programme’s strict labour market requirements. Other major tech companies, including Amazon and Meta, also paused or limited PERM sponsorship during that period. Since then, Google has reportedly filed PERM applications for only a small number of employees.

The memo outlines strict eligibility criteria for the 2026 restart. Employees must work in roles that require a degree and prior experience, be based in a Google office, and remain in good standing with the company. Remote employees will need to relocate to an office location to qualify.

The document also notes that workers at Level 3 roles or below are less likely to meet the eligibility threshold and that applicants must have at least a “moderate impact” (MI) rating in their annual performance reviews.

The update comes amid growing challenges for visa-holding tech workers in the US, including higher H-1B fees and prolonged visa processing delays. In recent months, Google’s external counsel, BAL Immigration Law, advised some employees to avoid international travel if they require new visa stamps.

“Please be aware that some US Embassies and Consulates are experiencing significant visa stamping appointment delays, currently reported as up to 12 months,” the memo said, warning that affected employees could be stranded abroad for extended periods.

PERM approval is required before an employee can proceed further in the employment-based green card process, making it a sensitive issue for companies during periods of layoffs or hiring slowdowns. Google’s decision to resume the programme at scale suggests greater confidence in workforce stability after years of disruption.

For many Google employees on temporary visas, the planned restart could bring long-awaited relief after years of uncertainty around permanent residency in the US.