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The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa category that allows foreign workers to live in the United States and obtain permanent residency.
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EB-3 Visa, Explained
What is the EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 Visa is an employment-based immigrant visa category in the United States that allows foreign workers to gain permanent residency (a Green Card). It is intended for three types of skilled and unskilled workers:
- Skilled Workers – Jobs requiring at least two years of training or experience.
- Professionals – Jobs requiring a U.S. bachelor's degree (or foreign equivalent).
- Unskilled Workers (Other Workers) – Jobs requiring less than two years of training or experience (such as certain labor positions).
EB-3 Visa Cost
Below are the current filing fees for the EB-3 visa.
For applicants filing from outside the U.S.
Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
Form DS-260 (green card application)
Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
EB-3 Visa Processing Time
The processing times for the EB-3 visa involve several stages, each with its own timeframe:
- Form I-140 Processing Time: The average processing time for Form I-140, the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, currently averages 7.6 months, according to historic processing times data from USCIS. If you choose to use premium processing, you can expedite the I-140 petition, with a processing time of 15 calendar days.
- Waiting for Visa Availability: Once the Form I-140 is approved, the applicant must wait for a visa number to become available. The wait time for visa availability varies based on the applicant’s country of origin and the demand for EB-3 visas from that country.
- Form I-485 Processing Time (Adjustment of Status): If the applicant is already in the U.S. and eligible to adjust their status, the average processing time for Form I-485 for employment-based visa applications is 6.7 to 32.5 months. This timeframe can also be influenced by various factors.
- Consular Processing: If the applicant is applying from outside the U.S., their case will be transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC), which will forward the application to the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate. The scheduling of an interview and the subsequent wait time at this stage will depend on the specific embassy or consulate and the applicant’s location.
Keep in mind that processing times may vary based on your specific situation and where you live.
Understanding the EB-3 Visa
The EB-3 visa falls under the employment-based third preference category. It is designed for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers who possess the necessary qualifications and are seeking employment opportunities in the United States. The visa category is divided into three subcategories, each with its own specific requirements:
EB-3(A): Skilled Workers
EB-3(B): Professionals
EB-3(C): Other Workers
Benefits of the EB-3 Visa
The EB-3 visa offers several advantages, including:
- The opportunity to live and work permanently in the United States
- The ability to bring eligible family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) to the U.S.
- The possibility of eventual U.S. citizenship
- Flexibility in changing employers, with certain limitations
EB-3 Eligibility and Requirements
EB-3(A): Skilled Workers
To qualify as a skilled worker under the EB-3(A) subcategory, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have at least two years of job experience or training
- Hold a job offer from a U.S. employer who can demonstrate the unavailability of qualified U.S. workers
EB-3(B): Professionals
To qualify as a professional under the EB-3(B) subcategory, you must meet the following requirements:
- Possess a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent
- Hold a job offer from a U.S. employer that requires a bachelor’s degree or higher
EB-3(C): Other Workers
To qualify as an other worker under the EB-3(C) subcategory, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be capable of performing unskilled labor that requires less than two years of training or experience
- Hold a job offer from a U.S. employer who can demonstrate the unavailability of qualified U.S. workers
How to Apply for an EB-3 Visa
Labor Certification:
Before applying for the EB-3 visa, your employer must obtain a PERM labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The labor certification process involves proving that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the job you’re being offered.
Form I-140 Petition:
Once the labor certification is approved, your employer can file Form I-140 with USCIS on your behalf. This form establishes your eligibility for the EB-3 visa and must be accompanied by the necessary supporting documentation.
Visa Application:
After USCIS approves your Form I-140, you can proceed with the visa application process. If you’re residing outside the U.S., you’ll need to apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country. If you’re already in the U.S. on a different nonimmigrant visa, you can file Form I-485 to adjust your status to that of a permanent resident.
Things to Consider
Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, determines the availability of immigrant visa numbers for each preference category. The EB-3 visa category has a limited number of visas issued each fiscal year, so monitoring the Visa Bulletin is crucial to determine when you can proceed with your application.
Priority Date
When filing the Form I-140 petition, you’ll be assigned a priority date, which establishes your place in line for a visa number. Your priority date is important as the Visa Bulletin uses it to determine when you can proceed with your application. Retrogression or advancement of the priority date can significantly impact the timing of your visa processing.
Job Change and Portability
Under certain circumstances, you may be able to change employers after your I-140 is approved. The American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act (AC21) allows EB-3 visa holders to switch employers, provided they meet specific requirements.