EB-3
EB-3 covers three groups. Skilled workers fill jobs requiring at least two years of training or experience. Professionals need the degree required by the occupation. The other workers category covers jobs requiring less than two years of training or experience.
Skilled Workers
For positions requiring at least two years of training or experience. Applicants must document the qualifications required for the job; relevant postsecondary education may count as training. The offer must be permanent and full-time, for work that is neither temporary nor seasonal.
Professionals
This subcategory requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree or a foreign equivalent degree, and the occupation must normally require that degree for entry. The degree must meet the job requirements. Work experience or a combination of education and experience cannot replace the required bachelor’s degree in this subcategory. A permanent full-time offer is also required.
Other Workers
This covers positions requiring less than two years of training or experience, also referred to as unskilled work for this classification. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform the work and meet the job requirements. The position must be permanent, full-time and neither temporary nor seasonal; a lower training requirement does not remove the other process requirements.
Employer, recruitment and labor certification
EB-3 depends on a genuine job offer from a U.S. employer that sponsors the petition. Generally, the employer conducts recruitment and requests PERM labor certification from the Department of Labor. This stage assesses the availability of able, willing and qualified U.S. workers and protects working conditions. Applicant documentation must match the job requirements; specific procedures apply to certain occupations.
Stages: PERM, I-140 and permanent residence
After the applicable labor stage, the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS. Residence is obtained through consular processing or, for eligible applicants in the United States, adjustment of status. I-140 approval alone does not grant a Green Card or automatic permission to begin working. The remaining stages and visa availability requirements must be satisfied.
Annual limits and the Visa Bulletin
EB-3 is subject to annual and country-of-chargeability limits, generally based on birthplace, as well as a specific limit for Other Workers. The priority date and applicable Visa Bulletin charts determine when residence processing may advance. Waiting lines may change or retrogress; there is no single timeline or guaranteed immediate availability.
Green Cards for workers and family members
EB-3 is a pathway to living and working in the United States as a permanent resident, based on the employment underlying the petition. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may accompany or follow to join as eligible dependents under applicable rules. Family relationships, age and any age protection must be assessed individually.
How we can help
01 · Understand
Your history and goals guide the initial assessment and identification of relevant issues.
02 · Organize
The team identifies the information and evidence needed and explains the scope of the proposed work.
03 · Follow through
You receive guidance on the stages of our services and next steps, according to the agreed scope.
Frequently asked questions
Does EB-3 always require a university degree?
No. The requirement depends on the subcategory and the position. Not needing a degree does not remove the employer, job and eligibility requirements.
What is the EB-3 visa?
It is the third employment-based immigration preference. It allows skilled workers, professionals and other workers to seek permanent residence with sponsorship from a U.S. employer.
How do the three subcategories differ?
Skilled Workers covers jobs requiring at least two years of training or experience; Professionals requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent; Other Workers covers jobs requiring less than two years of training or experience. The job and the applicant’s qualifications must match.
Do I need a job offer?
Yes. A permanent full-time offer from a U.S. employer is required, and you must meet the job requirements. The process generally includes labor certification and a petition filed by the employer.
What are the stages of the EB-3 process?
Generally: employer recruitment and PERM, an I-140 petition with USCIS, and residence through consular processing or adjustment of status when available. Visa Bulletin availability and individual circumstances affect progress.
Does petition approval grant a Green Card immediately?
No. EB-3 is a permanent residence category, but I-140 approval is only one stage. Residence depends on visa availability, consular processing or adjustment of status, and other applicable requirements.
Are there waiting lines for EB-3?
Yes. Annual limits, country of chargeability, subcategory and priority date affect availability. The Visa Bulletin must be monitored throughout the process, including for Other Workers.
Can my spouse and children accompany me?
A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may qualify as derivative beneficiaries if they meet the applicable rules. The team can assess family documents and any age issues during planning.
Do I need to send documents when I first get in touch?
The team will explain which information is needed and the appropriate channel for sending private documents.
Can approval or a timeline be guaranteed?
No. Government decisions and processing times depend on the authorities and the circumstances of each case.
Information in context
Informational content. Eligibility, documentation and strategy depend on individual assessment and the rules applicable to the case.
Official reference ↗