EB3 Visa Requirements, Boost your career overnight

EB3 Visa Requirements and jobs as per this are very large scale as EB3 visa is a highly sought-after U.S. employment-based immigrant visa that offers a path to permanent residency (Green Card) for foreign nationals. Whether you are a skilled worker jobs in USA and professional, or unskilled laborer, this visa category opens doors to work and live in the United States. However, navigating the requirements can be complex and time-consuming without the right information.

Key Takeaways

• The EB3 visa is part of the third preference employment-based immigration category.
• It is open to skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers.
• A permanent, full-time job offer and Labor Certification (PERM) from a U.S. employer are mandatory.
• The employer must demonstrate that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.
• The process involves multiple stages: PERM, I-140 petition, and Adjustment of Status or immigrant visa application.

What is the EB3 Visa?

The EB3 visa (Employment-Based Third Preference) allows foreign nationals to obtain lawful permanent resident status (Green Card) through U.S. employment. It is divided into three subcategories:

1. Skilled Workers – Individuals with at least two years of training or work experience.
2. Professionals – Individuals holding a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent.
3. Unskilled Workers – C2C Jobs in USA that require less than two years of training or experience.

Each subcategory comes with unique eligibility criteria, but all require sponsorship by a U.S. employer.

Who is Eligible for an EB3 Visa?

1. Skilled Workers

• Must have at least two years of job experience or training.
• Job must not be temporary or seasonal.
• Employer must obtain PERM Labor Certification.
• No U.S. workers should be available for the job role.

2. Professionals

• Must possess a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent.
• The position must require such a degree.
• Education cannot be substituted by work experience.
• A job offer and Labor Certification are required.

3. Unskilled Workers (Other Workers)

• Job requires less than two years of training or experience.
• Must not be temporary or seasonal.
• Most common in caregiving, farming, and hospitality sectors.
• Higher backlog due to demand and limited visa numbers.

EB3 Visa Requirements

A. Permanent Job Offer

A valid, full-time, permanent job offer from a U.S. employer is mandatory. The position must match the EB3 category applied under.

B. Labor Certification (PERM)

The employer must file a PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) application with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This step proves that:

• There are no able, willing, qualified, and available U.S. workers.
• The employment of the foreign worker will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.

C. Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD)

EB3 Visa Requirements and before submitting the PERM, the employer must get a Prevailing Wage Determination to establish the appropriate wage level for the job.

D. Recruitment Process

The employer must conduct a thorough recruitment process, including advertising the job, to ensure no U.S. workers are available.

E. Filing Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition)

Once the PERM is approved, the employer must file Form I-140 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), proving:

• The employer’s ability to pay the wage.
• The employee meets the job requirements.

F. Priority Date

The priority date is the date the PERM application is filed. The applicant must wait for this date to become current in the Visa Bulletin before applying for a Green Card.

Application Process for EB3 Visa Requirements

Step 1: Job Offer & Labor Certification

• Employer files a PERM Labor Certification.
• Includes job advertisement and recruitment efforts.

Step 2: Immigrant Petition (Form I-140)

• Filed by the employer with USCIS.
• Must include evidence of qualifications, job offer, and ability to pay.

Step 3: Wait for Priority Date to Become Current

• Based on country of origin and visa category.
• Monitored via the monthly Visa Bulletin.

Step 4: Apply for Green Card

If in the U.S.:

• File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status).

If outside the U.S.:

• Go through Consular Processing at a U.S. embassy.

EB3 Visa Requirements and EB3 Visa Processing Time

Processing time varies depending on the applicant’s category and country of origin:

• PERM Certification: 6 to 10 months (can be longer if audited).
• I-140 Petition: 6 to 9 months (15 days with Premium Processing).
• Visa Bulletin Wait Time: Can range from a few months to several years, especially for India, China, and the Philippines.
• Green Card Application: 8 to 14 months.

EB3 Visa Cost Breakdown

Here’s a general estimate of the associated costs (paid by employer and/or employee):

EB3 Visa Cap Limits

EB3 Visa Requirements and Each fiscal year, there is a cap of 40,000 EB3 visas issued. This is further divided among:

• Skilled Workers and Professionals: 28.6%
• Unskilled Workers: 10,000 visas maximum

Countries like India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines often experience longer backlogs due to high demand.

Advantages of the EB3 Visa

• Pathway to Green Card and U.S. permanent residency.
• Family members (spouse and children under 21) can also immigrate.
• No investment or business ownership required.
• Available for lower-skilled as well as professional occupations.

Challenges and Limitations

• Lengthy waiting times, especially for certain countries.
• Strict labor market test required via PERM.
• Limited flexibility to switch jobs during the process.
• Employer must maintain financial eligibility throughout.

Common Jobs Sponsored Under EB3

Here are some typical EB3-sponsored occupations:

Skilled Workers:

• Welders
• HVAC Technicians
• Electricians
• Chefs
• Auto Mechanics

Professionals:

• Teachers
• Accountants
• Engineers
• Medical Technologists
• Software Developers

Unskilled Workers:

• Housekeepers
• Farm Workers
• Cleaners
• Landscapers
• Caregivers

EB3 Visa vs H-1B Visa: Key Differences

Tips to EB3 Visa Requirements fulfillment and Strengthen EB3 Application

1. Ensure employer is financially sound and capable of supporting the job offer.
2. Document qualifications clearly—degrees, experience letters, and certifications.
3. Avoid gaps in employment history or inconsistencies.
4. Keep updated with the Visa Bulletin for priority date movement.
5. Consider Premium Processing for I-140 to reduce delays.

Can EB3 Visa Holders Bring Family?

Yes, immediate family members of the EB3 applicant are eligible:

• Spouse: May apply for a Green Card.
• Children under 21: Also eligible as derivative applicants.
• Once in the U.S., spouses can apply for work authorization.

What Happens After Receiving the EB3 Green Card?

Once granted:

• You become a U.S. permanent resident.
• You can live and work anywhere in the U.S.
• You can apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency (with certain conditions).
• You can sponsor family members for immigration.

FAQs

Can I apply for an EB3 visa without a job offer?

No, a valid job offer from a U.S. employer is mandatory for all EB3 visa applicants.

Do I need a degree for the EB3 visa?

Only professionals under the “Professionals” subcategory need a bachelor’s degree. Skilled and unskilled workers do not.

Can I change employers while my EB3 is being processed?

Changing employers during the process may jeopardize your application unless a new PERM and I-140 are filed.

How long does the EB3 process take?

It typically takes 1.5 to 3 years, but backlogs for certain countries can extend this timeframe significantly.

Can my spouse work in the U.S. under the EB3 visa?

Yes, once they receive derivative status, they can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).