Employment Green Cards: Understanding PERM and the EB Categories

Episode Summary: 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. Key Timestamps: 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. About the Show: 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.