Columbus is one of the most dynamic economic centers in Ohio, with thriving industries in healthcare, education, technology, and logistics. Businesses across the city rely on immigrant talent to fill critical roles, while workers from around the world come to Columbus to advance their careers. Yet the U.S. employment immigration system is complex, with strict deadlines, caps, and documentation requirements that can overwhelm both employers and employees.
At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, our attorneys provide comprehensive employment immigration services for Columbus businesses and workers. Whether you are an employer sponsoring an employee for a visa, a worker pursuing permanent residency through employment, or a student transitioning to a work visa, we have the experience to guide you through the process.
Employment Immigration Challenges in Columbus
The Columbus metro area is home to a rapidly expanding immigrant workforce that contributes to hospitals, universities, technology companies, and small businesses across central Ohio. According to the American Immigration Council, immigrants make up a significant percentage of Ohio’s STEM professionals, healthcare providers, and entrepreneurs. Despite these contributions, both employers and employees often encounter serious hurdles in the employment-based immigration system.
Some of the most pressing challenges in Columbus include:
- H-1B visa caps and deadlines: Each year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) imposes strict quotas on H-1B visas. Columbus employers in healthcare, IT, and education often struggle to secure these visas because demand far outpaces availability. Missing filing deadlines or submitting incomplete petitions can lead to costly setbacks.
- PERM labor certification delays: Before sponsoring a foreign worker for permanent residency, employers must prove that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the role. This Department of Labor (DOL) process requires careful recruitment, documentation, and strict compliance. Delays or errors can stall a company’s hiring process for months.
- Transitioning from student visas: Columbus is home to thousands of international students at The Ohio State University and other schools. Many struggle to transition from F-1 visas or OPT (Optional Practical Training) into employment-based visas. Without legal guidance, these students risk losing lawful status after graduation.
- Employer compliance: Employers in Columbus face potential fines or penalties if they fail to follow federal hiring rules, such as I-9 verification or E-Verify requirements. Even unintentional mistakes can trigger audits and sanctions.
- Green card backlogs. Skilled workers often face years-long waits for employment-based green cards. During this time, they must carefully maintain legal status through temporary visas, a process that requires strategic legal planning.
At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, we help both Columbus employers and immigrant workers overcome these obstacles. Our attorneys ensure filings are accurate, deadlines are met, and long-term strategies are in place to keep careers and businesses moving forward.
Employment Immigration Services We Provide in Columbus
Our attorneys provide a complete range of employment-based immigration services tailored to the needs of Columbus businesses and workers.
H-1B Visas
We represent Columbus employers in filing H-1B petitions for specialty occupation workers in high-demand fields such as healthcare, engineering, IT, and education. From preparing Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) to submitting petitions to USCIS, we manage the entire process and reduce the risk of denials.
PERM Labor Certification
Our firm guides businesses through the PERM process, ensuring compliance with DOL recruitment requirements. We prepare and document recruitment efforts, file applications, and advise employers on how to minimize delays in obtaining labor certification.
Employment-Based Green Cards
We assist both employers and employees with EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 green card applications. Whether based on extraordinary ability, advanced degrees, or professional skills, our attorneys develop individualized strategies to maximize approval chances.
Work Visa Transitions
Many Columbus students and graduates of Ohio State and other local universities face difficulties transitioning from F-1 visas to work visas. We help clients explore options such as H-1B visas, O-1 visas for individuals with exceptional ability, and employment-based green cards to remain in the U.S. legally.
Employer Compliance and Counseling
To protect against liability, we advise Columbus employers on I-9 audits, E-Verify compliance, and best practices for hiring immigrant workers. We also provide training and ongoing legal support to reduce risks during the hiring process.
Other Employment Visas
Beyond H-1Bs, we assist with:
- L-1 visas for intracompany transferees.
- O-1 visas for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, or business.
- TN visas for Canadian and Mexican professionals under NAFTA.
Our comprehensive services ensure Columbus employers and workers have access to every available option for employment-based immigration.
Special Considerations for Columbus Employers and Workers
Employment immigration in Columbus reflects the diversity of the city’s economy. Our attorneys provide solutions that match the unique needs of employers and workers in different sectors:
- Healthcare providers: Columbus hospitals and clinics rely on immigrant doctors, nurses, and specialists to fill urgent shortages. Employers in this field frequently require H-1B sponsorships and green card assistance to retain skilled professionals.
- Universities and research institutions: Institutions like Ohio State University sponsor professors, researchers, and graduate students. Many require help transitioning from academic visas to employment visas or green cards.
- STEM professionals: Columbus has a rapidly growing tech industry that depends on international engineers, developers, and IT specialists. Our attorneys assist tech employers with H-1B and green card applications to secure talent.
- Small businesses: Many immigrant-owned and local small businesses rely on foreign-born employees. We provide cost-effective strategies for sponsorship and compliance to keep these businesses thriving.
By combining a deep understanding of Columbus’s workforce needs with nationwide immigration law experience, we deliver results that make sense for both employers and employees.
Why Columbus Clients Choose Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez
Employment immigration law is notoriously complex, and even small mistakes can result in lost job opportunities, denied petitions, or government penalties. Columbus businesses and workers turn to Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez because:
- Experience with Ohio employers: We have successfully represented hospitals, universities, tech companies, and small businesses across Columbus.
- Comprehensive services: We handle every stage of employment immigration, from short-term visas to permanent residency.
- Bilingual representation: We serve Columbus clients in English and Spanish, making legal services accessible to the city’s diverse workforce.
- Proven results: Our attorneys have secured H-1B visas, PERM certifications, and employment-based green cards for clients across multiple industries.
- Personalized strategies: We understand that each employer and worker faces unique challenges. We tailor our approach to meet specific goals and circumstances.
Our blend of legal precision and practical experience makes us one of the most trusted choices for employment immigration representation in Columbus.
Contact Our Columbus Employment Immigration Lawyers Today
Employment immigration matters in Columbus are too important to leave to chance. Employers cannot afford delays or denials when they need workers, and employees should not risk losing lawful status because of paperwork errors or missed deadlines.
At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, we provide strategic, reliable, and results-driven legal services for Columbus employers and workers. Whether you are seeking an H-1B visa, pursuing a green card, or ensuring compliance with immigration laws, our attorneys are ready to help.
Call Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez today or connect with us online to schedule a consultation with an experienced Columbus employment immigration lawyer.
