In this episode of Immigration Unpacked: Real Legal Help for Immigrants, immigration attorney Kevin Stewart explains the employment-based green card process, focusing on the PERM labor certification and EB visa categories (EB1, EB2, and EB3). He breaks down the steps employers must follow, common challenges applicants face, and the differences between PERM and self-petition options like the EB1A and EB2 National Interest Waiver (NIW). Kevin also discusses long wait times for certain countries, the impact of current delays, and what changes might be ahead for skilled workers.

00:00 – Overview of employment-based green cards and the PERM process. 02:00 – How the Program Electronic Review Management system works. 04:00 – Key steps for compliance and recruitment standards. 05:00 – Differences between EB1, EB2, and EB3 explained. 06:00 – How EB1A and EB2 National Interest Waiver work. 09:00 – RFE trends and how attorneys help avoid denials. 11:00 – Why fewer applicants are pursuing U.S. immigration routes. 13:00 – How green card approvals extend to spouses and dependents. 15:00 – Why wait times can stretch decades. 17:00 – Discussion on new proposals and global competition.

Immigration Unpacked: Real Legal Help for Immigrants helps individuals and employers navigate complex U.S. immigration laws with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Attorney Kevin Stewart, each episode breaks down real-world immigration topics—from visas and green cards to legal updates affecting families and businesses nationwide.

In this episode of Immigration Unpacked: Real Legal Help for Immigrants, immigration attorney Kevin Stewart breaks down everything employers and professionals need to know about the H1B visa. From who qualifies and how the lottery works, to compliance requirements, filing mistakes, and the recent proposed $100,000 fee—Kevin explains it all clearly. He also shares what companies should expect if the new fee rule is enforced and what alternatives are available for those who don’t make it through the lottery.

00:00 – Overview of the H1B visa and who qualifies. 02:00 – What it means and how it could impact employers. 04:00 – How the selection works and why timing matters. 06:00 – Why advanced degrees improve lottery chances. 08:00 – Compliance, wage levels, and documentation requirements. 10:00 – Paperwork errors that lead to denials or delays. 12:00 – How to switch employers while maintaining status. 14:00 – How H1B holders can transition to permanent residency. 16:00 – Pending rule changes and practical advice for both employers and workers.

Immigration Unpacked: Real Legal Help for Immigrants brings clarity to complex U.S. immigration laws. Each episode features immigration attorney Kevin Stewart, who helps individuals and employers navigate visas, green cards, and policy updates with real-world insight and experience.

Episode Summary: In this episode of Immigration Unpacked: Real Legal Help for Immigrants, immigration attorney Kevin J. Stewart discusses what happens after someone becomes a U.S. permanent resident. Kevin explains how to protect green card status, avoid mistakes that could be interpreted as abandoning residency, and decide when it’s time to pursue U.S. citizenship. From international travel rules to green card renewals, family sponsorships, and the tax implications of naturalization, this episode provides clear, practical guidance for anyone navigating the next steps in their immigration journey.

Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Show introduction 01:05 – First steps after receiving a green card: protecting permanent residence 04:30 – International travel: how long is too long and what triggers red flags 07:45 – Re-entry permits and breaking up long trips abroad 10:25 – Understanding conditional versus 10-year green cards 14:00 – When to file for naturalization instead of waiting for conditions to be removed 17:15 – Green card renewals, expiration, and what happens if the card lapses 20:40 – The importance of keeping valid ID and current proof of lawful status 23:15 – Why U.S. citizenship simplifies travel and re-entry 27:00 – Sponsoring relatives as a green card holder vs. as a citizen 30:20 – Common reasons some people never naturalize and remain permanent residents 34:00 – Tax implications and dual citizenship considerations 37:25 – Attorney guidance: why naturalization is usually the best long-term choice

About the Show: Immigration Unpacked: Real Legal Help for Immigrants is a podcast hosted by immigration attorney Kevin J. Stewart. The show provides clear, practical guidance on U.S. immigration law to help individuals and families make confident, informed decisions about their future in the United States.