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EB-3 Visa

Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers

Overview

The EB-3 visa is a popular employment-based immigrant visa for individuals who qualify as skilled workers, professionals, or other workers with a permanent job offer in the U.S.

This visa requires PERM Labor Certification to ensure that hiring the foreign worker will not negatively affect the U.S. job market.

The EB-3 visa is designed for workers with varying levels of education and experience who have received a permanent job offer from a U.S. employer. It is ideal for those looking to immigrate through stable employment, although processing times can be longer than other visa categories.

To apply, the U.S. employer must first complete a labor certification (PERM), proving that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the role. The EB-3 category includes three subcategories: professionals with a bachelor’s degree, skilled workers with at least two years of experience, and other workers for jobs that require less than two years of training or experience. Once approved, this visa provides a direct path to a Green Card for you and your immediate family.

PERM Labor Certification Process

PERM is the first step in the EB-3 process and ensures that:

No qualified U.S. workers are available
The employer must prove that no U.S. workers are willing and able to fill the position after conducting a recruitment campaign.

Hiring a foreign worker won’t lower wages or working conditions
The offered job must meet prevailing wage requirements based on position and location.

Steps in the PERM Process:

Job Description & Prevailing Wage Determination
The employer files a request with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to determine the appropriate wage for the role. The job offer must meet or exceed this wage.
Recruitment Campaign:
A 60-day recruitment process includes:
  • Internal job posting
  • Advertisement in local newspapers or DOL-approved media
  • Listing with the state workforce agency
PERM Application Submission (Form ETA 9089)
If no qualified U.S. workers are found, the employer files the PERM application with the DOL, including job details, recruitment efforts, and information about the foreign worker.
DOL Review and Approval
Upon approval, the employer may proceed with filing Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with USCIS.

EB-3 Visa Categories

Skilled Workers
Requires at least 2 years of job-specific training, education, or experience
Examples: electricians, chefs, mechanics
Professionals

Requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent in a related field

Examples: teachers, engineers, accountants

Other Workers (Unskilled Labor)
For jobs requiring less than 2 years of experience or training
Examples: entry-level roles in construction, maintenance, or agriculture

EB-3 Visa Benefits

U.S. permanent residency for the applicant and immediate family (spouse and children under 21)
Live and work in the U.S. indefinitely after receiving a Green Card
No annual country caps, but subject to global quotas and priority dates

Schedule A: For Healthcare Professionals

Overview:

Healthcare professionals—such as nurses and physical therapists—may qualify under Schedule A, allowing for fast-tracked Green Card processing.

Requirements:

A permanent job offer from a U.S. healthcare employer
Valid professional license or certification

Benefits:

Exemption from the PERM labor certification process
Accelerated processing for the applicant and their family

Pursue permanent residency through employment

See if you qualify for a green card with your skills, experience, and a U.S. job offer.
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