As a Cleveland professional pursuing an Advanced Degree Visa, it's essential to understand your options and access experienced legal guidance. At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez,
our Cleveland immigration attorneys specialize in employment-based visas and provide personalized support for EB‑2 cases.
Whether you're pursuing an Advanced Degree Visa or a National Interest Waiver, our Cleveland office has the knowledge, experience, and local insight you need to navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system.
What Is an EB‑2 Visa and Who Is Eligible to File for One?
The EB‑2 visa, commonly referred to as the Advanced Degree Visa, offers a pathway to permanent residency for professionals with either an advanced academic background or exceptional ability in their field. It’s a highly sought-after option for individuals seeking to live and work in the United States, particularly in professional hubs like Cleveland, where demand for educated talent spans industries such as healthcare, IT, education, engineering, and research.
For Cleveland-based professionals, foreign academics, and skilled workers across the globe, the EB‑2 visa opens doors to long-term employment and family stability in the U.S.
Key EB‑2 Visa Categories
EB‑2A – Advanced Degree Visa
- This category applies to individuals who have:
- A U.S. master’s degree or higher, or
- A bachelor’s degree followed by at least five years of progressive post-baccalaureate experience
- Professionals in Cleveland, such as engineers, data analysts, nurses, and teachers, commonly pursue this route to secure employment-based green cards.
EB‑2B – Exceptional Ability
- Applicants must demonstrate a degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in their profession.
- Strong supporting documentation includes:
- Letters of recommendation
- Awards or national/international recognition
- Published research or media mentions
- Cleveland-based entrepreneurs, scientists, and artists may qualify under this route if they can show sustained achievement in their field.
EB‑2C – National Interest Waiver (NIW)
- The NIW allows individuals to self-petition without employer sponsorship if their work benefits the national interest.
- This is an increasingly popular choice for:
- Healthcare professionals responding to public health needs
- Researchers involved in nationally relevant projects
- Entrepreneurs and tech developers building innovative solutions
- For example, a Cleveland-based epidemiologist working on infectious disease prevention could qualify under this category.
Key Requirements for an EB‑2 Visa
To qualify for an EB‑2 visa, you must meet both general eligibility criteria and category-specific requirements. These include:
General Requirements
- A permanent job offer (unless applying for NIW)
- Demonstrated ability to fill the job through education, training, or experience
- A labor certification from the Department of Labor (unless waived for NIW)
- Clean immigration and criminal history
- Evidence of intent to work in the qualifying position
Additional Criteria by Category
- EB‑2A:
- Official academic transcripts
- Proof of at least five years of progressive work experience (if no master’s)
- Employer letter of support and detailed job description
- EB‑2B:
- Proof of exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business
- At least three types of qualifying documentation (e.g., license to practice, high salary, professional association membership, etc.)
- EB‑2C (NIW):
- Work has substantial merit and national importance
- Applicant is well-positioned to advance the work
- Waiving the labor certification is beneficial to the U.S.
Meeting these standards requires detailed documentation and strategic legal framing. Our Cleveland immigration attorneys help applicants identify the strongest evidence, avoid gaps in compliance, and prepare persuasive petitions.
How Much Does an EB‑2 Visa Cost?
Applying for an Advanced Degree Visa involves several steps and associated fees. While the upfront investment may seem significant, the long-term benefits, including permanent residency, make the process well worth it.
Here’s a typical breakdown of costs:
- PERM Labor Certification:
- No direct government filing fee, but requires extensive employer preparation and documentation, including advertising, recruitment, and job analysis.
- Form I‑140 (Immigrant Petition):
- $700 filing fee, paid by either the employer or applicant (depending on the category).
- Premium Processing (Optional):
- $2,805 for expedited 15-day processing of Form I‑140. This is popular among Cleveland professionals working under tight job timelines.
- Form I‑485 (Adjustment of Status):
- $1,140 filing fee + $85 biometrics fee (applies only if you are applying from within the U.S.).
- Consular Processing (if applying from abroad):
- Approx. $345, but exact costs vary by country and consulate.
- Attorney Fees:
- These vary based on the complexity of your case and the services needed. However, working with an experienced Cleveland Advanced Degree Visa attorney reduces the risk of delays, denials, or costly refiling.
At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, we walk Cleveland applicants through every cost consideration, advising on where expedited service is beneficial and helping ensure your filing is complete, timely, and backed by strong evidence.
EB‑2 Visa Application Process
Navigating the Advanced Degree Visa process requires careful coordination and legal expertise. Here’s how we guide Cleveland clients through each step:
1. PERM Labor Certification (if applicable)
- Most applicants need employer sponsorship via PERM, demonstrating no U.S. worker can fill the position.
- Our Cleveland attorneys coordinate with employers, guide wage determination, and manage staffing recruitment.
2. Prepare and File Form I‑140
- Our Cleveland-based legal team compiles persuasive documentation: diplomas, work references, publications, and expert letters.
- For NIW applicants, we establish your work’s national significance, directly tying benefits to U.S. public interest.
3. USCIS Review
- USCIS processes Form I‑140. Regular processing takes 6–12 months; Premium Processing expedites it to 15 calendar days.
- Our Cleveland attorneys work swiftly, preparing responses should Requests for Evidence (RFEs) occur.
4. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
- If you reside in Cleveland, we file I‑485 for status adjustment.
- If abroad, we guide your path through U.S. consulate processing.
- We monitor your case closely, coordinate biometrics appointments, and prepare clients for interviews.
5. Final Interview & Green Card Approval
- Interview questions may cover your work, education, and job duties.
- After USCIS approval, your Advanced Degree Visa converts to lawful permanent resident status.
Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez assists Cleveland-based applicants through every communication with USCIS, ensuring comprehensive preparation and accurate, well-timed filings.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain an EB‑2 Visa?
Processing times vary, but most Cleveland clients successfully complete the EB‑2 process within 18–24 months:
- PERM Labor Certification: 6–10 months
- Form I‑140 (non-premium): 6–12 months
- Form I‑140 (premium): 15 calendar days
- Form I‑485 or Consular Processing: 8–14 months
- Total Timeline: 12–24 months from start to green card approval
Your timeline may vary based on categories: PERM-based or NIW, U.S. or overseas filing, and USCIS workloads. In Cleveland, our Advanced Degree Visa attorneys stay informed on USCIS updates and proactively help minimize delays.
What Happens Once Your EB‑2 Visa Is Approved?
When your Advanced Degree Visa (EB‑2) petition is approved and your green card is issued, you become a U.S. lawful permanent resident, able to live and work freely, including in Cleveland or any state.
Key Benefits
- Unrestricted employment in your field
- Eligibility to sponsor certain family members (spouse, children under 21)
- Travel to and from the U.S. (with caution on reentry after long trips)
- Right to apply for U.S. citizenship after five years
Responsibilities
- Maintaining permanent residency, avoiding trips longer than six months without proper documentation
- Avoiding criminal convictions that could threaten residency
- Continuing employment aligned with your EB‑2 job unless an NIW was approved
Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez supports Cleveland clients post-approval, advising on reentry travel, job changes, and pathways to naturalization.
Common Challenges in EB‑2 Visa Applications
Despite its many advantages, the EB‑2 visa pathway can present several challenges for applicants. Cleveland professionals, particularly those navigating employer sponsorship or pursuing a National Interest Waiver, may encounter obstacles that delay or derail the process. Below are some of the most common issues we help clients overcome:
- PERM Labor Certification Delays: For employer-sponsored applicants, delays often arise during the PERM process due to incomplete documentation or Department of Labor compliance issues. Our attorneys work closely with Cleveland employers to ensure timely and accurate filings.
- Proving Degree Equivalency: Demonstrating a qualifying advanced degree, or its U.S. equivalent, requires precise documentation, including transcripts, diplomas, and credential evaluations. A bachelor’s degree with five years of progressive experience may also qualify but must be clearly supported.
- National Interest Waiver Complexity: For NIW self-petitioners, proving that your work benefits the U.S. national interest requires carefully crafted legal arguments. We highlight both your individual impact and relevance to Cleveland’s workforce needs.
- Requests for Evidence (RFEs): Many applications are delayed due to RFEs triggered by vague or missing documentation. We help avoid RFEs by preparing complete, persuasive petition packages.
- Job Offer and Dual Intent Issues: Employer-sponsored EB‑2 applicants must maintain a consistent job offer and demonstrate lawful dual intent. We ensure your employment record aligns with USCIS expectations.
At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, our Cleveland Advanced Degree Visa attorneys are well-versed in navigating these and other challenges. We take a proactive approach, identifying potential issues early in the process and addressing them before they can affect the outcome of your case.
How Can a Cleveland Immigration Attorney Help With Your EB‑2 Visa?
Securing an EB‑2 Advanced Degree Visa requires more than just meeting basic qualifications; it demands clear evidence, strategic presentation, and legal precision. At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, our
Cleveland immigration attorneys offer the trusted guidance you need to file with confidence.
Proven Success in All EB‑2 Visa Categories
We’ve successfully represented Cleveland-based and international applicants in:
- EB‑2A: Advanced degree professionals in medicine, engineering, academia, and more
- EB‑2B: Individuals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business
- National Interest Waiver (NIW): Self-petitioners whose work benefits the U.S.
We understand how to position your achievements to meet USCIS criteria while aligning with Cleveland’s labor and economic needs.
Comprehensive Documentation and Strategy
Our team assembles thorough petition packages, including:
- Academic degrees and transcripts
- Work experience letters
- Letters of recommendation
- Publications, patents, and awards
- NIW legal memos detailing national impact
We tailor each strategy to your background, field, and immigration goals, whether you’re employer-sponsored or self-petitioning.
Local Knowledge, Global Reach
We assist clients across Ohio, the U.S., and around the world, including individuals from Asia, South America, and Europe. Our attorneys offer:
- Familiarity with Cleveland’s workforce trends and immigration priorities
- Regional consular experience and efficient communication
- Representation through every step: PERM, I‑140, consular processing or adjustment of status
Full-Service Legal Representation
We’re here to support you from pre-filing assessments through final green card approval. If complications arise, we also handle appeals and motions before the AAO.
Let us help turn your advanced qualifications into a successful path to permanent residency in Cleveland.
Why Choose Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez?
- Deep knowledge of EB‑2A, EB‑2B, and NIW legal frameworks
- Extensive experience serving Cleveland’s diverse immigrant population
- Proven record of successful outcomes across industries and continents
- Commitment to clear communication and dedicated advocacy
Whether you’re a Cleveland-based researcher, an engineer from South America, or a physician from Asia, our team is ready to help you pursue the EB‑2 visa with confidence.
Let our Cleveland immigration attorneys stand by your side through each stage of your journey toward permanent residency in the United States.
Facing immigration issues of any kind can be extremely overwhelming, especially when your career, freedom, or family stability depends on the outcome. At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, our Cleveland immigration attorneys deliver clear, effective legal support to individuals and families facing urgent and long-term immigration matters. We proudly assist clients in Cleveland and nationwide with a wide spectrum of immigration services, including:
Whether you’re applying for a visa, fighting deportation, or appealing a denied petition, our team provides skilled representation backed by decades of combined experience. With a deep understanding of immigration law and a commitment to responsive, results-driven service, our Cleveland-based attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process.
Contact Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez for Help Obtaining an EB‑2 Visa in Cleveland
Your education, experience, and professional contributions have the power to shape your future and the EB‑2 visa can open the door to permanent residency and long-term success in Cleveland.
At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, we understand that behind every Advanced Degree Visa application is a unique story and a set of goals worth fighting for. Whether you're advancing cutting-edge research, launching a new business, or filling a critical role in your industry, our Cleveland immigration attorneys are here to guide you with precision, strategy, and care.
We provide more than paperwork; we offer clarity, advocacy, and a trusted legal partnership from start to finish. From assessing eligibility to securing final approval, we ensure your petition reflects your strengths and meets every USCIS requirement.
