US firms fast-track green cards to secure global talent

US companies are accelerating green card sponsorship to compete for top global talent, even as immigration oversight intensifies under the Trump administration’s second term. According to Envoy Global’s Annual Corporate Immigration Trends Report 2025, nearly 70% of employers now initiate sponsorship within three months of a new hire’s start date, while delays beyond a year have almost disappeared.

This shift marks a strategic evolution in talent acquisition. Early green card sponsorship signals long-term commitment to international hires and has become a decisive factor in recruitment and retention. Timely progression to the I-140 stage is increasingly critical for H-1B workers, as spousal work authorisation under H-4 status hinges on it.

Financial support for green card applications has expanded, though often with conditions. The report found that 58% of employers cover all fees but require repayment if the employee leaves early, while 38% absorb costs with no repayment obligations. Legal experts caution that ‘claw-back’ clauses carry regulatory and state-specific risks, particularly around PERM labour certification fees.

This approach represents a sharp reversal from 2024, when 11% of companies declined to sponsor green cards altogether—a figure now reduced to just under 4%. Employers are increasingly leveraging sponsorship as a tool to enhance workforce stability and loyalty, even amidst rising compliance audits, visa vetting, and requests for evidence (RFEs).

For organisations navigating tight labour markets, early and well-supported green card sponsorship is emerging as a competitive edge, embedding immigration strategy into broader talent management and retention efforts.

Explore here how immigration strategies are shaping the fight for talent.