
EB3 Visa Guide: Everything You Need to Know About the EB3 Visa
- What is the EB3 Visa? The EB3 visa grants permanent residency (a green card) to qualified individuals. ...
- What are the Benefits of the EB3 Visa? There are many benefits to receiving an EB3 visa. ...
- What are the EB3 Visa Requirements? ...
- What is the EB3 Visa Application Process? ...
- What Documents are Needed for the EB3 Visa Application Process? ...
Full Answer
Are you eligible for an Eb3 visa?
You may be eligible for an EB3 visa if you a skilled workers, unskilled worker, or professional. Approximately 40,000 EB3 visas are available each year. The EB3 visa is a third preference employment visa. Thus, the requirements are less strict than EB1 and EB2 green card visas.
What is the difference between EB-3 and EB-4?
EB-3 Visa or Third Priority Workers Visa is for skilled workers with more than 2 years of experience, professionals with a higher education degree, or unskilled workers with less than 2 years of experience (EW-3 Visa). EB-4 Visa or Fourth Priority Workers Visa is for various religious, government, or international organizations workers.
Who is eligible for third preference EB-3?
Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference EB-3 You may be eligible for this immigrant visa preference category if you are a skilled worker, professional, or other worker. “Skilled workers” are persons whose jobs require a minimum of 2 years training or experience, not of a temporary or seasonal nature.
How to sponsor a foreign worker for an Eb3 visa?
On the other hand, the U.S employer must also prove the following to qualify for sponsoring a foreign worker for an EB3 visa: That the employer could not find an available, qualified, or willing U.S worker for the job position. That the employer is financially stable to pay the foreign worker and can afford to sponsor the worker.

Who is eligible for EB3?
You may be eligible for this immigrant visa preference category if you are a skilled worker, professional, or other worker. “Skilled workers” are persons whose jobs require a minimum of 2 years training or experience, not of a temporary or seasonal nature.
Is EB3 visa a green card?
The EB-3 visa is a third preference employment-based green card for skilled, professional, or other workers. EB-3 visa requirements are somewhat less stringent than the EB-1 and EB-2; As a result, the wait often takes more time.
What is EB3 US visa?
What is an EB-3 Visa? The EB3 Visa is a Third Priority Worker visa available for skilled workers; professionals who hold a bachelor's degree and eventually other unskilled workers. To be eligible, you must hold a baccalaureate degree or at least 2 years of training or working experience.
How many years does it take to get a green card in EB-3?
This whole process takes about 9 months. If you are lawfully present in the United States in a valid non-immigrant status, you may be eligible to do apply for an adjustment of status.
How long is EB-3 visa valid?
10 yearsWhen issued, your EB-3 will be valid for 10 years. Keep in mind that this is not like renewing a nonimmigrant visa, where you need to submit a new petition and essentially re-qualify for the visa.
How much does EB-3 visa cost?
EB-3 visas cost $345 and take about six (6) months to get. EB-3 visa holders get automatic legal permanent residence (green card) and may eventually be able to naturalize.
Is it hard to get an EB3 visa?
The EB3 visa has less strict requirements than either the EB1 or the EB2 visas. This means that some people who may not qualify for these other visas may be eligible for the EB3 visa.
Who can sponsor EB3 visa?
The EB-3 allows employers to hire foreign nationals as professionals, skilled workers, and unskilled workers and sponsor them for a green card....SummaryCertified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)Caregivers.Managers.Customer service representatives.Accountants.Hospitality personnel.Sales representatives.Maintenance personnel.More items...
Can I bring my family with EB3 visa?
Just like every other employment-based green card, if your EB-3 visa is approved, your immediate relatives (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21) can join you in the U.S. If your EB-3 visa was approved under the skilled and professional category, your spouse can apply for the E34 visa, and your children ...
Can EB3 visa be denied?
There are many stories about people getting their US EB-3 Visa or Employment Based Immigrant Visa denied. It is quite common. It can happen to a friend, a mutual friend, a family member or a colleague. Someone received a job offer as a registered nurse from a US employer.
Can you work while waiting for EB3?
If you received work authorization while your green card application is pending, there are no restrictions on your employment, and you can work for any employer. Of course, your employment must comply with both state and federal laws and regulations.
Is EB2 a green card?
The EB2 Visa, or EB2 Green Card, is a second preference employment-based visa that allows for permanent resident status. It is available for foreign nationals who hold an advanced degree or equivalent. You must also prove your “exceptional ability”, meaning significant expertise in your field.
Which is better EB2 or EB3?
The significant difference between EB2 and EB3 visas is that the EB2 category requires the candidate have an advanced degree for the positions of science and business. On the other hand, the EB3 category has job positions for unskilled workers, skilled workers, or professionals.
Is EB3 visa easy to get?
The EB3 visa has less strict requirements than either the EB1 or the EB2 visas. This means that some people who may not qualify for these other visas may be eligible for the EB3 visa.
Who qualifies for EB2 green card?
The job you apply for must require an advanced degree and you must possess such a degree or its foreign equivalent (a baccalaureate or foreign equivalent degree plus 5 years of post-baccalaureate, progressive work experience in the field).
What is an EB3 visa?
The EB3 visa gives qualified individuals permanent resident status in the United States. There are many benefits to being a permanent resident. Some of these include having the ability to change employers and to travel more freely.
How many EB3 visas are there?
You may be eligible for an EB3 visa if you a skilled workers, unskilled worker, or professional. Approximately 40,000 EB3 visas are available each year.
What is an I-140 form?
Form I-140 is the Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers. This form serves as your petition for your EB3 visa. USCIS will use the information provided in this form to determine if you meet the conditions for an EB3 visa. The form contains information about the petitioner, the beneficiary, and the job. For more information about Form I-140, click here.
What happens if my EB3 is not approved?
USCIS will make a decision on the petition. If your petition is not approved, the beneficiary will not receive an EB3 visa. If the petition is approved, a notice will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) if the beneficiary is abroad and not applying for an adjustment of status.
What information is included in an EB3 petition?
The employer should also include financial information to demonstrate their ability to pay the beneficiary.
How long is an EB3 visa valid?
You can submit an EB3 visa application at any time. The EB3 visa, like most green cards, is valid for 10 years. You can renew the visa if needed at that point.
What is the first step in the EB3 visa process?
Labor Certification. The first step in the EB3 visa application process is done by the US employer. The US employer must get a labor certification from the Department of Labor after applying for a prevailing wage determination. The Labor Certification is done to prove there are no US workers for the job.
What is EB3 Visa?
EB3 visa is a Third Priority Worker visa that allows three types of workers to go to the U.S permanently and work there. These groups of workers are:
How to Apply for the EB3 Visa?
Applications for the EB3 visas have multiple steps which involve both the employer and the foreign employee. The application process for an EB3 visa has two parts:
What are the Benefits of the EB3 Visa?
With an EB3 visa, the foreign workers can go to the U.S, live there permanently and work without having to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). After a few years at the same job, they can also switch employers and job positions. They get the Green Card and are required to pay all taxes applicable to them. They are also allowed to travel within and outside the U.S, as well as live in a different state in the U.S than the one they first moved to.
Who is Eligible for the EB3 visa?
In order to qualify for the EB3 visa, a foreign worker must prove the following:
How Long is the EB3 Green Card Processing Time?
The EB3 Green Card processing time can most times be from a low of 1 to 3 years to very long wait times of 6 or more years. Since the EB3 visa has an annual visa cap, the EB3 processing time can be quite long. If you are within the yearly limit, then your visa may be processed within a few months.
How to get approval to hire a foreign employee?
In order to get final approval to hire the foreign employee, the U.S employer must petition to the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services. This is done by filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker to the USCIS. USCIS will require the employer to attach supporting financial documents such as statements, audits, tax returns and others to evaluate whether they are able to pay the foreign worker and afford additional employees.
Can an employer sponsor a foreign worker on an EB3 visa?
On the other hand, the U.S employer must also prove the following to quali fy for sponsoring a foreign worker for an EB3 visa: That the employer could not find an available, qualified, or willing U.S worker for the job position. That the employer is financially stable to pay the foreign worker and can afford to sponsor the worker.
What is EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 visa means it is the third preference employment-based (EB) green card. As with other green cards, it gives the holder indefinite / permanent residency to live and work in the United States.
What is E35 for children?
Minor children (who must be under 21 and unmarried) are typically admitted via E35 (“skilled”) or EW5 (“other” worker) While the process of applying for permanent residency is ongoing, the spouse may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which lets them work freely in the country.
Can I downgrade from an EB-2 to an EB-3?
Individuals who have an approved form I-140 may also be able to downgrade from an EB-2 to an EB-3.
Is there a waiting list for an EB3 visa?
So, there are higher chances to qualify for an EB3 visa. However there is often a waiting list for approval.
What Is an EB3 Visa?
An EB3 visa is a green card for workers, more specifically for professional, skilled, or other workers. It is an employment-based green card, and it is the third preference for such visas. Just like the other two categories (EB1 and EB2), this one allows an immigrant to live in the United States, but also to work in a specific field.
How long does it take to get an EB3?
To get the EB3 application, you will have to go through various steps first. Because of that, it may take between 1 and 3 years for the application to be processed.
What is priority date for EB3?
The priority date of the petitioner should be current in order to have the EB3 visa application changed from non-immigrant (temporary). The start of the Labor Certification Process will be the one setting the petitioner’s priority date.
How much does it cost to get a visa in 2019?
The visa petition fee was $700 back in 2019. If you want to opt for premium processing as well, the fee for it will be as much as $1,410. A visa application fee may also be required if you come from overseas, and this will cost $345.
Who should record EB3?
Everything that happens during the EB3 visa process should be recorded by the employer . Having an experienced immigration attorney during the process is also recommended for the employer , as he/she may offer the right guidance to make the process go right.
Can an unmarried child get an EW5 visa?
A legal spouse will have access to the E34 or EW4 visa, whereas an unmarried child under 21 years old will usually come under the E35 or EW5 visa. E34 and E35 are visas for skilled workers, and the EW4 and EW5 visas are for the “other” worker categories.
Introduction to EB3 Visas
Each year, the United States of America gives out thousands of employment-based immigration visas to eligible candidates. One way to get a green card is through a U.S. company. This is referred to as EB or “employment-based” green cards. There are five different categories of EB green cards.
What is an EB3 Visa?
EB3 Visa stands for “Employment-Based Third Preference Category.” Eligibility turns on having a certain type of job offer from a U.S. company. In EB3 cases, a U.S. company has to ask the U.S. government to give you a green card so you can work with them. So, the first thing you need is a job offer from an American sponsor.
What is the difference between EB2 and EB3 visas?
EB2 stands for “Employment-Based Second Preference Category.” The EB2 visa category is designed for individuals who advanced degrees and are exceptional or advanced in their fields. Like EB1 and EB3, EB2 is divided into three subcategories:
EB3 Visa Requirements
The EB3 visa process can be confusing. Here, we try to help you understand the process, form and timelines. First, we’ll discuss the categories of EB3 visa in more detail.
Application Process for EB3 Visa
It is your employer’s job to file a petition requesting an EB3 Visa for you. There are four major steps in the process.
Timeline for an EB3 Visa
The EB3 Visa timeline depends on how many visas are available. The visa bulletin tells you when you can apply for a green card in each category.
EB3 Visa Lawyer: Online Search Tool
Your EB3 visa case is complicated. There are two agencies and four to five different parts to each case. For that reason, it’s important to find an experience EB3 visa attorney to help you.
Step 1: Permanent Labor Certification (12 months)
A permanent labor certification issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) allows an employer to hire a foreign worker to work permanently in the United States.
Step 3: Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status (6 months)
As soon as the I-140 petition is approved by USCIS the foreign national will receive an email from the National Visa Center with instructions on what documentation to bring to the interview at the U.S. Embassy.
Green Card (EB-3 Visa) for Unskilled and Low Skilled Workers
If you are an applicant and would like to hear more about available EB-3 jobs and sponsorship, or if you are an employer and would like to see how the EB-3 program can provide predictable and reliable staffing solutions, then please complete the form below. We will respond within 24 hours.
What is EB-3 Visa?
EB3 visa is a Third Priority Worker visa that allows three types of workers to go to the U.S permanently and work there . These groups of workers are:
Does EB3 require a language test?
The EB3 program does not require any work experience, language test or net worth value. Through this program, you will arrive in the US with a permanent, full-time job and permanent residency for you and your family. You will also be able to include your spouse and unmarried children below the age of 21 in your application. They will then be able to work and study in the US as Green Card holders. It also takes around one year and a half to process, which is a shorter period compared to most immigration programs.
U.S. Department of Labor – Labor Certification
- Third preference petitions must generally be accompanied by an approved, individual labor certification from the Department of Labor on Form ETA-9089. In some cases, the petition may be submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) with an uncertified ETA-9089 for consideration as Schedule A, Group I. For more information on Schedule A, Group I, read our poli…
Application Process
- Your employer (petitioner) must file a Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers. As part of the application process, your employer must be able to demonstrate a continuing ability to pay the offered wage as of the priority date. Your employer may use an annual report, federal income tax return, or audited financial statement to demonstrate a continuing ability to pay your wage. For …
Family of EB-3 Visa Holders
- If your I-140 petition is approved, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be eligible to apply for admission to the United States in E34 (spouse of a “skilled worker” or “professional”) or EW4 (spouse of an “other worker”). and E35 (child of a “skilled worker” or “professional”) or EW5 (child of an “other worker”).