EB-2 vs EB-3 Green Cards in San Diego

Both categories lead to permanent residence but apply to different types of workers.
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Green Card for Professionals with Advanced Degree or Skilled Workers

EB-2 (Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability)

The EB-2 and EB-3 categories allow U.S. employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residence through the PERM labor certification process.

For both businesses and international professionals looking to navigate this multi-stage pathway, partnering with a knowledgeable EB-2 and EB-3 visa lawyer in San Diego is essential to ensure compliance with complex federal regulations and secure a smooth transition to permanent residency.

EB-2 vs. EB-3

Understanding the key differences between these two employment-based classifications is critical. A qualified EB-2 and EB-3 visa lawyer in San Diego can help analyze your corporate role and educational background to determine which category fits your profile:

EB-2

The EB-2 category is generally used for positions requiring the following:

  • A master’s degree or higher; or
  • A bachelor’s degree plus five years of progressive experience.

EB-2 may also apply to individuals with exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business.

EB-3

The EB-3 category applies to the following:

  • Skilled workers;
  • Professionals with a bachelor’s degree; and
  • Certain other workers requiring less experience or training.

Qualifying Professional Position.

The PERM Process: Step-by-Step

Most EB-2 and EB-3 cases involve a structured, multi-agency process that requires meticulous attention to detail. Working alongside an experienced EB-2 and EB-3 visa lawyer in San Diego helps employers successfully manage each critical phase:

  1. Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD): Securing the required wage rate from the Department of Labor (DOL).

  2. PERM Recruitment Process: Conducting mandatory, highly regulated advertising campaigns to test the local U.S. job market.

  3. PERM Labor Certification Filing: Submitting Form ETA 9089 to the DOL.

  4. Form I-140 Immigrant Petition: Filing the employer’s petition with USCIS once the PERM is certified.

  5. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: The final step for the professional and their family to obtain their physical Green Cards.
New Vetting Process at USCIS

What USCIS and DOL Look For

PERM-based cases require careful compliance with Department of Labor and USCIS regulations, including:

    • Proper job requirements and minimum entry standards
    • Recruitment compliance and strict documentation of applicant reviews
    • The employer’s continuous ability to pay the offered wage
    • The employee’s specific qualifications prior to the job offer and
    • An accurate, individualized filing strategy.

Errors in recruitment, job descriptions, or filing procedures can result in audits, denials, or significant delays. Properly addressing these items early with an EB-2 and EB-3 visa lawyer in San Diego mitigates these risks from the outset.

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How an EB-2 and EB-3 Visa Lawyer in San Diego Assists

At Carla Caballero Immigration Law, we assist both employers and professionals with EB-2 and EB-3 sponsorship matters. As your EB-2 and EB-3 visa lawyer in San Diego, our services may include the following:

    • Evaluating eligibility and selecting the appropriate visa category
    • PERM strategy and recruitment planning
    • Prevailing wage analysis and job duty alignment
    • Labor certification filings
    • Preparing and filing I-140 petitions
    • Guiding you through adjustment of status or consular processing.

Schedule a Consultation

Employment-based green card cases require careful legal and strategic planning from the very beginning of the PERM process.

Schedule a consultation with an EB-2 and EB-3 visa lawyer in San Diego today to discuss eligibility, sponsorship strategy, and the next steps for your EB-2 or EB-3 case.

Client Reviews

Read our latest comments and reviews and see why our customers recommend us to their friends and family.

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Family Green Card

April 27, 2026

“We want to express our gratitude to our attorney, Carla, for the excellent work she did throughout the entire process of obtaining our green card. She was always available to answer our questions, clarify our doubts, and coordinate calls when we needed her. We highly recommend her to anyone who needs reliable and effective immigration advice.”

Ricardo C. and René G. - (Family Green Card)

EB-1A petition

April 27, 2026

Carla was a fantastic partner throughout my EB1 application! I’m normally very busy, and she took on most of the heavy lifting for the application, including drafting the reference letters.

She was extremely responsive whenever I had questions. She also adapted to my working style: I preferred using Google Drive instead of the Manifest portal, and she met me where I was.

She was always receptive to feedback and quick to adapt.

I’m very grateful for her help in getting my EB1A. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer to work with, and I’d highly recommend her to anyone else.

Janvi - (EB-1A petition)

EB-2 NIW approval

April 27, 2026

I fully recommend Carla Caballero. As a Magnetics Engineer working in the hardware supply chain, my NIW case required translating complex, niche technical work into a compelling narrative of national interest. Carla and her team were phenomenal at this.

The process is highly transparent and rigorous. She guided me very well through the evidence and proposed endeavor. Responses and feedback are usually provided within a day.

I got my approval through PP in about 4 weeks. I highly recommend Carla’s services to any STEM applicant.

Sijie Ran 

Sijie Ran - (EB-2 NIW approval)

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