EB-3 Visa

The EB-3 visa is a U.S. employment-based green card category for foreign workers, including Professionals, Skilled Workers, and Unskilled Workers (Other Workers), allowing them permanent U.S. residency if sponsored by an employer, requiring a job offer and labor certification proving no qualified U.S. workers are available, and involving wait times based on visa caps and country of origin, with annual limits often reached, causing backlogs, particularly for unskilled labor. 

EB-3 Categories & Requirements

  • Professionals (EB-3A): Jobs requiring at least a U.S. bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent.
  • Skilled Workers (EB-3B): Jobs needing at least two years of experience or training.
  • Unskilled Workers (EB-3C/EW): Jobs requiring less than two years of training/experience, often manual labor (e.g., hospitality, agriculture). 

Key Features & Process

  • Sponsorship: A U.S. employer must sponsor you.
  • Labor Certification: The employer must prove to the Department of Labor (DOL) that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job.
  • Permanent Job: The offer must be for a full-time, permanent position.
  • Wait Times: Demand often exceeds supply, leading to long waits, especially for unskilled workers and applicants from countries like China and India, as detailed in the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin.
  • Benefits: Permanent residency (Green Card), ability to bring family (spouse, unmarried children under 21), and potential path to citizenship. 

Current Status

  • Annual visa limits (caps) are set, and once reached for the fiscal year (ending Sept 30), new visas aren't issued until the next year, as seen in FY 2025. 

How to Apply (General Steps)

  1. Employer gets labor certification (PERM) from DOL.
  2. Employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition).
  3. Once priority date is current (check Visa Bulletin), you file to adjust status (Form I-485) or apply at a consulate.