Decoding why Amazon & Google suspended green card applications
Amazon and Google have reportedly paused green card applications due to increased difficulty in the process, as reported by TOI. According to Business Insider, both companies stopped accepting PERM applications in 2023 and may not resume them soon...
By ET Online |
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Amazon and Google have reportedly pulled back on green card applications as the process has become tougher, according to TOI. A report by Business Insider suggests that both companies stopped accepting PERM applications in 2023 and might not start again soon.
According to the report, the Alphabet-owned company and Amazon ceased the certification process in 2023. Citing a current employee with direct knowledge of the matter, Googlers have been told that the company will not restart the PERM process until at least Q1 2025.
Meanwhile, Amazon has also told employees it will continue to pause all new PERM filings through 2024, the report said, citing an internal announcement.
As per the memo, the e-commerce giant paused PERM applications in 2023 and decided to continue after reviewing "labour market conditions and immigrant requirements."
What is PERM and how significant it is for foreign job seekers?
PERM is a permanent labour certification issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) that allows a US-based company to hire a foreign worker to work permanently in the country. It is often referred to as the first step of getting a green card – that allows the holder to live and work permanently in the US.
Halting PERM applications implies that international job seekers aiming for tech roles in the US might have to explore options beyond usual places like Silicon Valley and New York City. Moreover, foreign tech employees at these firms might encounter difficulties in renewing their US work permits.
While Amazon and Google have ceased PERM applications, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is said to still support green card sponsorships, albeit at a much slower pace, with the process now taking "a year or more," according to a current employee.
Why has the process become difficult?
Google writes to the US government for changes.
Recently, Google wrote to the US government saying that the immigration rules on Green Cards and hiring need to be updated as the company is seeking experts in AI technology.
“We project that our need for AI Engineer roles, including Software Engineer, Research Engineer, and Research Scientist roles, will increase significantly in the coming years. AI advancements offer incredible promise, but the lack of skilled professionals threatens to hinder their full potential,” Google wrote in the letter.
(With TOI inputs)
According to the report, the Alphabet-owned company and Amazon ceased the certification process in 2023. Citing a current employee with direct knowledge of the matter, Googlers have been told that the company will not restart the PERM process until at least Q1 2025.
Meanwhile, Amazon has also told employees it will continue to pause all new PERM filings through 2024, the report said, citing an internal announcement.
As per the memo, the e-commerce giant paused PERM applications in 2023 and decided to continue after reviewing "labour market conditions and immigrant requirements."
What is PERM and how significant it is for foreign job seekers?
PERM is a permanent labour certification issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) that allows a US-based company to hire a foreign worker to work permanently in the country. It is often referred to as the first step of getting a green card – that allows the holder to live and work permanently in the US.
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Halting PERM applications implies that international job seekers aiming for tech roles in the US might have to explore options beyond usual places like Silicon Valley and New York City. Moreover, foreign tech employees at these firms might encounter difficulties in renewing their US work permits.
While Amazon and Google have ceased PERM applications, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is said to still support green card sponsorships, albeit at a much slower pace, with the process now taking "a year or more," according to a current employee.
Why has the process become difficult?
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The report said that huge layoffs by Google, Amazon, Meta and other tech companies have made the process harder. Companies must now prove that laid-off employees aren't qualified for the positions they want to fill with foreign workers. Additionally, they must notify any recent layoffs (within the past six months) before filing PERM applications for foreign hires.Google writes to the US government for changes.
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Recently, Google wrote to the US government saying that the immigration rules on Green Cards and hiring need to be updated as the company is seeking experts in AI technology.
“We project that our need for AI Engineer roles, including Software Engineer, Research Engineer, and Research Scientist roles, will increase significantly in the coming years. AI advancements offer incredible promise, but the lack of skilled professionals threatens to hinder their full potential,” Google wrote in the letter.
If you are a family member of a US citizen, you have the option to seek lawful permanent resident status while you are within the United States. This classification encompasses immediate family members, fiancés, widowers, and individuals who have suffered cruelty at the hands of a US citizen.
(With TOI inputs)
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