Google tells staff it will ramp up green card applications again in 2026. Here's who won't be eligible.

"The company told staff in a December newsletter that employees eligible for PERM would hear from its outside lawyers in Q1, according to a copy of the memo seen by Business Insider. PERM allows employees to move from working on a visa to securing a green card. Tech companies commonly use it to transition staff from H-1 B status to a green card, which allows them to live and work permanently in the US."

"Tech employees on work visas have faced increased uncertainty this year due to policy changes, such as the increase in H-1B visa fees. Google's lawyers recently advised employees with work visas, such as the H-1B, to avoid international travel due to "significant" delays, Business Insider reported."

"According to the memo about PERM, only those who meet certain criteria will be eligible for the application. One requirement is that employees must work in a role that requires a degree and prior work experience. The memo also said that staff must work from a Google office to be considered. "Remote Googlers must agree to transfer to an office to be PERM eligible," the memo read."

Google will ramp up PERM applications in 2026 and outside immigration lawyers will contact eligible employees in Q1. PERM enables movement from a work visa to a US green card and is commonly used to transition H-1B holders to permanent status. Eligibility requires roles that legally require a degree and prior work experience, and employees must work from a Google office; remote workers must transfer to be considered. Tech visa holders have faced uncertainty due to policy changes including higher H-1B fees and advised limits on international travel because of significant processing delays. PERM requires sponsors to prove no qualified US workers are available.

Read at Business Insider