EB-3 Visa Guide: Requirements, Process & Green Card

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EB-3 Visa Guide Requirements, Process & Green Card

The EB-3 visa is one of the most practical employment-based pathways to a U.S. green card. It’s designed for foreign workers with varying skill levels and offers a long-term route to permanent residency through lawful employment.

This guide breaks down the EB-3 visa in simple terms, covering eligibility requirements, the step-by-step process, timelines, and what to expect on your path to a green card.

Table of Contents

What Is the EB-3 Visa?

The EB-3 visa is a third-preference employment-based immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign nationals for permanent residence. Unlike temporary work visas, EB-3 directly leads to a green card.

It is commonly used by employers in industries facing long-term labor shortages, such as healthcare, construction, hospitality, manufacturing, and logistics.

EB-3 Visa Categories:

The EB-3 visa is divided into three main categories based on skill and experience level.

Skilled Workers include individuals with at least two years of job experience or training.
Professionals are workers whose position requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent.
Other Workers (Unskilled Workers) cover roles requiring less than two years of training or experience, such as entry-level or labor-based jobs.

Each category has different demand levels and processing times, but all lead to permanent residency.

EB-3 Visa Requirements:

To qualify for an EB-3 visa, both the employer and the foreign worker must meet specific requirements.

The employer must offer a full-time, permanent job and prove the ability to pay the offered wage.
The worker must meet the minimum education, training, or experience requirements listed in the job description.
A certified PERM Labor Certification from the U.S. Department of Labor is required to confirm that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the role.
The job must be located in the United States and comply with prevailing wage standards.

EB-3 Visa Guide Process Step by Step:

The EB-3 process involves multiple government agencies and typically takes several stages to complete.

First, the employer completes the PERM Labor Certification process, which includes job advertising and recruitment efforts.
Once PERM is approved, the employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with USCIS.
After I-140 approval and once a visa number becomes available, the worker applies for permanent residence through Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) if in the U.S., or Consular Processing if outside the U.S.
The final step is receiving the green card, granting lawful permanent resident status.

EB-3 Processing Time:

EB-3 processing times vary based on category, country of birth, and annual visa limits.
On average, the PERM process takes 8 to 14 months.
I-140 processing can take 6 to 9 months, or faster with premium processing where available.
Green card wait times depend on visa bulletin priority dates and may range from 1 to several years, especially for high-demand countries.

EB-3 Visa Costs and Fees:

Costs are typically shared between the employer and employee, depending on legal structure and agreements.

Employer costs usually include PERM recruitment expenses and attorney fees.
Employee costs may include USCIS filing fees, medical exams, and consular or adjustment fees.
Exact costs vary but generally range from several thousand to over ten thousand dollars in total.

Benefits:

Direct Pathway to a U.S. Green Card
The EB-3 visa leads directly to permanent residency, allowing foreign workers to live and work in the United States without the limitations of temporary visas.
Permanent Full-Time Employment
EB-3 holders can work legally on a permanent, full-time basis, providing long-term job security and career stability in the U.S. labor market.
No Advanced Degree Required
Unlike EB-1 or EB-2 visas, the EB-3 visa does not require extraordinary ability or an advanced academic degree, making it accessible to a wider range of applicants.
Eligibility for Skilled and Unskilled Workers
The EB-3 category includes skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers, opening opportunities across multiple industries and experience levels.
Family Green Card Benefits
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can obtain green cards alongside the primary applicant, keeping families together in the United States.
Freedom From Visa Renewals
Once permanent residency is granted, there is no need for repeated visa renewals, extensions, or employer-dependent status changes.
Greater Job Flexibility After Approval
After receiving a green card, individuals are not tied to a single employer and may change jobs without jeopardizing their immigration status.
Access to U.S. Benefits and Services
Permanent residents gain access to U.S. healthcare systems, educational institutions, and other public benefits where eligible.
Pathway to U.S. Citizenship
EB-3 green card holders may apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency and eligibility requirements, providing long-term security and rights.
Long-Term Stability Compared to Temporary Visas
The EB-3 visa offers a more stable and predictable immigration option compared to temporary work visas that come with strict time limits and uncertainty.

Common EB-3 Challenges and Risks:

While EB-3 is accessible, it is not without challenges.
Processing times can be long, especially for unskilled worker categories.
The process depends heavily on employer compliance and financial stability.
Changes in immigration policy or labor market conditions can affect timelines.
Working with experienced immigration professionals helps reduce delays and risks.

EB-3 Visa vs Other Employment-Based Visas:

Compared to EB-1 and EB-2 visas, EB-3 has lower qualification requirements but longer wait times.

EB-1 is reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability or multinational executives.
EB-2 targets advanced degree professionals or individuals with exceptional ability.
EB-3 remains the most inclusive employment-based green card option for many workers worldwide.

Is the EB-3 Visa Right for You?

The EB-3 visa is ideal for individuals seeking a stable, long-term future in the United States through employment.

If you have a legitimate job offer, meet the basic requirements, and are prepared for a multi-step process, EB-3 can be a reliable path to permanent residency.

Understanding the process early and working with qualified professionals can significantly improve your chances of success.

Conclusion:

The EB-3 visa offers a clear and accessible path to a U.S. green card through permanent employment. By meeting the eligibility requirements and following the structured process, foreign workers can secure long-term residency and work authorization. With proper planning and the right employer support, EB-3 can be a reliable step toward building a future in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the EB-3 visa?

The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residence, leading directly to a green card.

Who is eligible for the EB-3 visa?

Skilled workers, professionals with a bachelor’s degree, and unskilled workers with a permanent job offer from a U.S. employer may qualify for the EB-3 visa.