Google has announced some bright news for its foreign workers in the United States who are on temporary visas and await permanent residency as Green Cards. As reported by the media, the firm is going to accelerate the Green Card sponsorship process for qualified workers who hold an H-1B visa starting from the year 2026.
The news was apparently communicated to the workers in an internal newsletter. Google plans to speed up the PERM process of approval for work-related Green Cards. This move has not been commented on by Google in a press release.
This was welcomed news for many of the H-1B employees, especially during a time when there was a tightening of immigration policies and an increase in background checks for visas.
UEB/Internal Communication to Employees
- According to reports, Google has notified its employees that those who can apply for the PERM process will be contacted by the immigration law firms hired by the company in the first quarter of next year. This is expected to prepare the employees for the next phase in the Green Card application process.
- Though this plan has not been officially announced, it appears from internal communication that Google intends to start and increase its sponsorship of Green Cards after some inactive time.
What is the PERM Process?
- PERM is an acronym for Program Electronic Review Management. It is an essential part of the US employment-based green card system. Many tech companies resort to sponsoring foreign employees for green card residency through PERM.
- A prerequisite to submitting an application for the Green Card is the approval of the PERM certification. The criteria for this are that it is necessary to prove that the employment of foreigners affects American workers adversely. Additionally, it is imperative to demonstrate that no American is qualified for employment.
- Because of these requirements, firms usually see reduced or stopped PERM filings during times of hiring freezes and layoffs.
Effects of Layoffs on PERM Notices
- Not long after, in January of 2023, Google laid off over 12,000 employees globally. During the same period, Google paused its PERM applications. Other big tech companies like Amazon and Meta made similar actions that year.
- Google had submitted few PERM applications in the last year; however, the company intends to resume and accelerate the process as from 2026.
Requirements to be Eligible for PERM Approval by Google
- Not all foreign workers are eligible to work at Google under the PERM sponsorship. Eligibility criteria are set by Google.
- Both educational and work experiences are taken into account. The scholarship is only open to employees who work from Google office locations. Those who work from home must move to an approved office location. According to news releases, Google has also made it clear that employee seniority as well as work performance will be given high priority in the selection process under the PERM Visa.
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