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By Amanda Greenwood
Associate News Editor
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Google announced it will restart reviewing green card sponsorship applications in 2026, via the Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) system, according to an internal memo, reviewed by Business Insider. This comes after it paused most filings in January 2023 during major layoffs.
Why it Matters
Google’s plan to resume green card sponsorships in 2026—after a three-year pause—signals renewed confidence in hiring and immigration trends. The move could set a precedent for other tech giants and impact thousands of foreign workers in the U.S.
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What To Know
According to an internal December memo seen by Business Insider, Google informed employees that it will "ramp up" applications via the U.S. PERM labor certification program in 2026.
PERM is the first step in the process for foreign workers to obtain a green card, allowing them to move from temporary work visas (such as H-1B) to permanent residency in the U.S., provided their employer proves no qualified American citizen can fill the position.
Google’s PERM restart will apply to a larger share of employees than the handful approved during 2025. However, eligibility is narrowed by several factors:
- Roles must require a formal degree and prior work experience.
- Employees must be physically based in a Google office. Remote staff are excluded unless they agree to transition to in-office work.
- Candidates must have a "moderate impact" (MI) or higher performance rating in annual reviews. Employees at Level 3 or below are unlikely to qualify.
- Applicants must remain in good standing with the company.
Google initially paused PERM green card applications in January 2023 after laying off 12,000 workers—alongside other tech giants like Amazon and Meta—as layoffs complicated compliance with PERM rules, which require proving no qualified U.S. workers are available for sponsored roles. During the pause, Google only filed PERM for a small group of employees.
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What People Are Saying
Business Insider reported that the memo said: "Googlers must have a MI rating or higher to be eligible for PERM" and "Remote Googlers must agree to transfer to an office to be PERM eligible."
When Google initially paused the green card applications, immigration attorney Ava Benach told Business Insider the following, symbolizing just how much clout Google has over the industry: "Tech companies have been following Google's lead and taking their foot off the pedal in terms of green card applications. Google has an outsized influence. It has a reputation for treating workers well and leading on these things, so if Google stepped back, then this gives other tech companies cover to step back, too."
What Happens Next
Eligible Google employees should expect contact from external immigration legal counsel in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026. The company did not specify whether employees can self-nominate or pre-check eligibility.
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