If you're planning to move to the United States for employment, the EB-3 visa may be a realistic and practical path to permanent residency. As part of the U.S. employment-based immigration system, the EB-3 visa offers skilled workers, professionals, and even certain unskilled workers a structured way to obtain a Green Card. In this article, we will explain the essentials of the EB-3 visa — from its eligibility requirements to the application process, advantages, and common challenges.
Understanding the EB-3 Visa Category
The EB-3 visa is one of five employment-based (EB) immigrant visa categories and falls under the “third preference” group — that’s where the “3” in EB-3 comes from. This category allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign nationals for permanent, full-time positions in the United States.
EB-3 is divided into three subcategories:
- Skilled Workers: Individuals with at least two years of job experience or relevant training.
- Professionals: Individuals with a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent, working in a position that requires such a degree.
- Other Workers: Individuals performing unskilled labor (less than two years of experience or training), provided the job is not seasonal or temporary.
No matter the category, applicants must have a full-time job offer and a PERM labor certification approved by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the EB-3 visa, you must meet the criteria of one of the three subcategories:
- Skilled Workers: You’ll need to prove at least two years of job experience or training in your field. This can be supported by work history, certificates, or letters from former employers.
- Professionals: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is the minimum requirement. The job must specifically require this level of education, and experience cannot substitute for the degree.
- Other Workers: No formal education is required, but the job must involve unskilled labor that still qualifies as permanent and full-time (for example, certain janitorial, housekeeping, or food production roles).
Regardless of category, the U.S. employer must offer you a permanent job and go through the PERM labor certification process to confirm that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.
Read also: What is PERM Application? How to Apply?
Step-by-Step: The EB-3 Application Process
The EB-3 application process includes several formal steps and government agencies. Here’s how it typically unfolds in 4 steps:
1. PERM Labor Certification
This is the employer’s responsibility. They must obtain a labor certification from the Department of Labor by demonstrating that they advertised the job adequately and couldn’t find a qualified U.S. worker. They also have to offer the prevailing wage (market rate determined by DOL) for the job position.
2. Filing Form I-140
After receiving PERM approval, your employer must file Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form proves the legitimacy of the job offer and your qualifications.
3. Priority Date and Visa Bulletin
Once the I-140 is filed, you’ll receive a priority date — your place in line for an immigrant visa number. Because EB-3 visas are subject to annual quotas and per-country limits, you might face significant wait times, especially if you’re from a high-demand country.
You can track visa availability via the Visa Bulletin published monthly by the U.S. Department of State.
Read also: Understanding the Visa Bulletin: A Guide for Prospective Immigrants
4. Final Step: Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status
When your priority date becomes current, you can complete your application:
- If you're inside the U.S.: You may file Form I-485 to adjust your status to permanent resident.
- If you're outside the U.S.: You’ll complete consular processing, which includes an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of the U.S..
Once approved, you’ll receive your Green Card and become a lawful permanent resident.
Benefits of the EB-3 Visa
One of the most prominent advantages of the EB-3 visa is that it provides a direct pathway to permanent residency — and eventually, U.S. citizenship.
Another important benefit is family inclusion. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can also obtain Green Cards as derivative beneficiaries. In most cases, your spouse may also be eligible for work authorization while residing in the U.S.
Compared to other employment-based categories like EB-1 (for individuals of extraordinary ability) or EB-2 (for advanced degree holders), the EB-3 category is often seen as more accessible — especially for those without exceptional and/or extraordinary academic or professional accolades.
Challenges and Limitations
Like all immigration processes, the EB-3 visa comes with some challenges. Let’s explore them in-detail below:
Lengthy Wait Times
Applicants from countries with high demand often face multi-year delays due to per-country quotas. Waiting for a current priority date can take several years, depending on your country of origin.
Employer Sponsorship Requirement
Not all U.S. employers are willing or able to sponsor foreign workers due to the cost and complexity of the process. Finding a willing and eligible employer is often one of the most difficult parts of the EB-3 journey.
Job Must Be Permanent and Full-Time
Temporary, freelance, or part-time jobs do not qualify. If your job offer is withdrawn before your Green Card is issued, your petition could be denied or delayed.
Procedural Complexity
The EB-3 process involves multiple agencies, steps, and forms. A minor error in documentation can result in major delays or even denials. That’s why many applicants choose to work with experienced immigration attorneys to navigate the process successfully.
The EB-3 visa is a valuable option for foreign nationals seeking to build a long-term future in the United States through employment. Whether you’re a tradesperson with years of experience, a college graduate, or someone performing essential labor, this visa can open the door to a life in the U.S.
That said, the EB-3 route is not always fast or simple. From securing a committed employer to meeting eligibility requirements and enduring long wait times, the process demands patience and precision. But with the right guidance and preparation, this pathway can turn your professional goals — and your American dream — into reality.
If you’d like to learn more about the EB-3 visa process or find out whether you qualify, feel free to contact us at [email protected]. Our expert team will provide tailored solutions to help you secure your future in the United States.
