Business of Light continued its 2026 webinar series with “Immigration Purgatory: Life on the Green Card List,” a candid and highly practical session examining the realities of employment-based green card sponsorship in the lighting industry. Building on January’s H-1B discussion, this webinar shifted focus to the longer, more complex journey toward permanent residency, combining legal insight with lived experience from both employers and employees.

The panel outlined the three key stages of the green card process—labor certification (PERM), the I-140 petition, and adjustment of status—emphasizing that the full timeline often exceeds three years, and can stretch far longer for applicants from high-demand countries due to visa caps and backlogs. Speakers highlighted the importance of maintaining valid work authorization throughout the process, as well as the strategic planning required from employers to ensure continuity and compliance.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on employer responsibilities, including strict recruitment requirements, documentation standards, and the legal obligation to cover labor certification costs. Panelists also addressed common misconceptions around payment, job mobility, and promotion limitations during sponsorship.

Beyond process and policy, the session underscored the emotional toll of “immigration limbo.” Panelists encouraged transparency, proactive communication, and employee education as essential tools for reducing anxiety, building trust, and supporting international talent through a long and often uncertain journey.