If you're a skilled worker, professional, or other qualified employee seeking permanent residency in the United States, the EB-3 visa is a valuable pathway toward building a future in Cleveland. At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, our
Cleveland immigration attorneys are highly experienced in representing both foreign nationals and sponsoring U.S. employers in EB-3 visa applications. Whether you're a Cleveland employer seeking to fill workforce gaps or an individual hoping to live and work in the U.S., we are here to guide you through every step.
The EB-3 category is essential for industries facing worker shortages and offers a clear route to a green card for qualified applicants. Unlike temporary work visas, the EB-3 visa grants
lawful permanent residency, providing long-term stability and opportunity for you and your family.
What Is an EB-3 Visa and Who Is Eligible to File for One?
The EB-3 visa is an
employment-based immigrant visa for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. It requires employer sponsorship and leads to a green card. Cleveland employers frequently use this visa to attract international talent and address persistent labor shortages.
Key EB-3 Visa Categories
- Skilled Workers: Individuals with at least two years of training or work experience. This category applies to many roles in Cleveland’s construction, manufacturing, and healthcare industries.
- Professionals: Applicants with a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in their field. This includes engineers, teachers, accountants, and IT professionals, many of whom are employed across Cleveland’s educational and corporate sectors.
- Other Workers (Unskilled Labor): For roles requiring less than two years of experience, such as home care aides, janitors, or farm laborers. These roles are critical to Cleveland’s service economy.
Who Can File for an EB-3 Visa?
Unlike other employment-based immigration options, the EB-3 visa, commonly known as the Skilled Worker Visa or Professionals Visa, must be filed by a U.S. employer. The foreign national cannot self-petition. The employer serves as the petitioner, while the foreign national employee is the beneficiary.
In Cleveland and across the United States, companies in healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, construction, hospitality, and other industries rely on the EB-3 visa to fill long-term labor shortages with qualified international talent. Whether you're a Cleveland hospital hiring nurses or a tech firm looking for specialized workers, the EB-3 visa provides a path to lawful permanent residency for your future employees.
Key Requirements for an EB-3 Skilled Worker or Professional Visa
The EB-3 visa is divided into three main subcategories:
- Skilled Workers
- Professionals
- Other Workers (Unskilled Labor)
Each has its own requirements, but all share the same foundational eligibility elements. Below is a breakdown of what's required to successfully file for and obtain an EB-3 visa:
Permanent Job Offer from a U.S. Employer
- The job must be full-time and permanent in nature; temporary or seasonal positions do not qualify.
- The employer must provide a written offer of employment detailing job duties, title, and salary.
- Cleveland-based businesses of all sizes, ranging from startups to large enterprises, can sponsor EB-3 workers if they meet financial and procedural requirements.
PERM Labor Certification
- Employers must obtain PERM certification through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
- This process verifies that:
- No qualified U.S. workers are available or willing to fill the role.
- The employer has met prevailing wage requirements.
- The job has been adequately advertised in accordance with DOL rules.
- Our Cleveland attorneys guide employers step-by-step through this detailed process, ensuring compliance and minimizing delays.
Education and Experience Requirements
For Skilled Workers:
- Must have at least two years of training or work experience relevant to the offered job.
- Training must be verifiable through certificates, letters of experience, or formal apprenticeship records.
- Common occupations in Cleveland that qualify under this category include:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Machinists
- Automotive technicians
- IT support specialists
For Professionals:
- Must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent.
- The degree must be directly related to the field of employment (e.g., a Bachelor of Science in Engineering for an engineering role).
- Professions under this category often include:
- Software developers
- Accountants
- Teachers
- Civil engineers
- Registered nurses
For Other Workers (Unskilled Labor):
- Must be capable of performing unskilled labor requiring less than two years of training or experience.
- Jobs must not be temporary or seasonal.
- Examples include:
- Housekeepers
- Farm workers
- Food service employees
- Groundskeepers
The “Other Workers” category often faces longer visa backlogs due to demand and country caps. However, it still remains a valuable option for individuals seeking U.S. residency and for employers facing labor shortages in Cleveland.
Proof of Eligibility
All applicants must provide thorough, well-organized documentation to support their qualifications, including:
- Academic credentials (diplomas, transcripts, credential evaluations)
- Training certifications
- Letters of work experience from past employers
- Professional licenses, if applicable
- Resume/CV outlining education and employment history
- Translations and notarized copies for any non-English documents
Employer Financial Viability
The sponsoring employer must show that it has the ability to pay the offered wage, typically using:
- Tax returns
- Annual reports
- Profit and loss statements
- W-2s for current employees
Our Cleveland immigration lawyers assist employers in preparing the financial evidence and ensuring that the entire petition package complies with USCIS and DOL standards.
How Much Does an EB-3 Visa Cost?
Filing for an EB-3 Skilled Worker or Professional Visa involves several costs for both the employer and the applicant. Here's a breakdown:
- PERM Labor Certification: No government fee, but substantial attorney and advertising costs may apply.
- Form I-140 Filing Fee: $700 (paid by the employer).
- Premium Processing (Optional): $2,805 to expedite Form I-140 adjudication.
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1,140 plus $85 biometrics fee, if applying from inside the U.S.
- Consular Processing Fee: Around $345, if applying from outside the U.S.
- Medical Exams & Document Translation: Varies by provider and location.
While these costs can add up, obtaining an EB-3 visa opens the door to permanent residency, employment, and eventual citizenship. Our Cleveland-based firm ensures that the process is handled efficiently to reduce avoidable expenses.
EB-3 Visa Application Process
The EB-3 visa process includes several major steps, each requiring thorough preparation and attention to detail:
1. PERM Labor Certification
The Cleveland employer must demonstrate that:
- The job is full-time and permanent.
- The wage offered meets prevailing wage standards.
- Recruitment efforts could not find a qualified U.S. worker.
2. Form I-140 Petition
After PERM approval, the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS, along with evidence of the applicant’s qualifications and the company’s ability to pay the offered wage.
3. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
- If in the U.S.: File Form I-485 to adjust status.
- If abroad: Complete the DS-260 application and attend a visa interview at the nearest U.S. consulate.
4. Biometrics and Interview
Applicants provide fingerprints and attend a USCIS or consular interview to confirm eligibility and intent.
Our Cleveland immigration lawyers manage the process from start to finish, reducing the risk of denials and delays.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain an EB-3 Visa?
Processing times for an EB-3 visa can vary widely based on the applicant’s country of origin, category, and current USCIS caseload. Average processing times for Cleveland applicants include:
- PERM Labor Certification: 6–12 months
- Form I-140 Approval: 6–10 months (15 days with premium processing)
- Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: 8–14 months
In total, Cleveland applicants can expect the EB-3 process to take approximately 1.5 to 2 years from start to finish. However, delays are common without proper legal guidance. Our attorneys ensure all submissions are accurate, timely, and thoroughly documented.
What Happens Once Your EB-3 Visa Is Approved?
Once your EB-3 visa is approved and your green card is issued, you officially become a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
Post-Approval Benefits:
- Live and work permanently in Cleveland or anywhere in the U.S.
- Travel internationally and re-enter the U.S. freely.
- Sponsor eligible family members for green cards.
- Apply for U.S. citizenship after five years.
Maintaining your green card requires compliance with immigration laws, including continuous residency and no serious criminal activity. Our Cleveland attorneys assist clients in maintaining status, applying for renewals, and preparing for naturalization.
Common Challenges in EB-3 Visa Cases
Even a well-prepared case can encounter obstacles. Common EB-3 challenges our Cleveland attorneys routinely help resolve include:
- PERM Issues: Incomplete recruitment documentation, errors in prevailing wage determination, or inadequate job descriptions.
- Employer Financials: Inability to prove the employer can pay the offered wage can result in Form I-140 denials.
- Requests for Evidence (RFEs): These often relate to missing educational proof or job experience letters.
- Job Role Classification Disputes: Incorrect classification as skilled vs. unskilled can affect eligibility.
- Delays in Consular Processing: Applicants abroad may face long waits for interviews or document requests.
Our Cleveland immigration attorneys preempt these issues with detailed planning and legal strategy.
How Can a Cleveland Immigration Attorney Help With Your EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 visa process can be time-consuming and procedurally demanding. Even minor oversights can delay your case or lead to a denial. At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, our Cleveland immigration attorneys bring a combination of strategic insight, detailed preparation, and international experience to ensure your Skilled Worker or Professional Visa petition is set up for success.
We represent both Cleveland-based employers and global applicants across all EB-3 visa categories—Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers.
Thorough Eligibility Assessment
- We review your educational background, work experience, and job offer.
- We determine which EB-3 category (Skilled Worker, Professional, or Other Worker) is most appropriate for your qualifications.
- We assess the Cleveland employer’s readiness to sponsor and meet wage requirements.
PERM Labor Certification Support
- We coordinate the entire PERM process with your employer.
- We ensure job advertisements, recruitment efforts, and prevailing wage determinations meet DOL standards.
- We help document the unavailability of qualified U.S. workers for your role.
Strategic Documentation & Filing
- We collect and prepare essential documents, including:
- Resumes and CVs
- Academic credentials and diplomas
- Foreign degree equivalency evaluations
- Employment verification letters and reference letters
- Proof of employer’s financial ability to pay the wage
- We prepare and file Form I-140 on behalf of the sponsoring employer with clear, well-organized exhibits.
- We monitor all USCIS notices and deadlines to keep your petition on track.
Consular and USCIS Interview Preparation
- We provide one-on-one interview coaching tailored to your job category and country of origin.
- We walk you through likely questions and help prepare necessary documents for your appointment.
- We represent you in Cleveland-based USCIS interviews and assist with consular interviews abroad.
Support With Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
- If USCIS requests additional documentation, we respond swiftly with compelling legal arguments and supporting proof.
- We troubleshoot weak points and proactively address deficiencies in the petition.
End-to-End Legal Guidance
- We offer complete representation from start to finish, including:
- PERM filing
- I-140 petition
- Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
- Green card issuance
- Future legal needs such as naturalization or family sponsorship
Global Perspective, Local Experience
- Our Cleveland firm has successfully represented clients from Asia, South America, Europe, and many other regions.
- We understand how cultural, linguistic, and credential-related differences affect visa cases and we adjust our approach accordingly.
- We bring Cleveland-specific labor market insight to help align your case with regional trends and business needs.
Whether you’re a Cleveland employer seeking to sponsor a worker or a professional abroad looking to build your future in the U.S., our attorneys provide the guidance and advocacy you need. Contact Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez to schedule a consultation and let us help you secure your EB-3 visa with confidence.
At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, our Cleveland immigration attorneys are dedicated to serving individuals, families, and employers with a wide array of immigration needs, not just employment-based visas. We offer trusted, full-service legal support to clients across Cleveland and the United States, addressing both urgent and long-term immigration concerns with precision and compassion.
We proudly represent clients in matters involving:
Whether you’re seeking to remain in the country, bring a loved one to Cleveland, adjust your immigration status, or appeal a denied petition, we offer clear legal guidance and unwavering advocacy. From your initial consultation through every phase of your case, our Cleveland-based immigration team is committed to protecting your rights and helping you secure a stable future in the United States.
Contact Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez for Help Securing an EB-3 Skilled Worker or Professional Visa in Cleveland
Whether you're a Cleveland business seeking to sponsor a valuable employee or an international worker hoping to build a new life in the United States, the EB-3 visa offers a powerful path to permanent residency.
Our Cleveland immigration attorneys are here to help you navigate the application process with clarity and confidence. From PERM certification to I-140 preparation, consular guidance, and beyond, we offer end-to-end support.
