What is an EB-3 Visa
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The EB-3 visa is a third-preference employment-based immigrant visa that allows foreign workers to obtain a U.S. green card through permanent employment in skilled, professional, or unskilled labor positions.
This visa is ideal for those who may not qualify for EB-1 or EB-2, but still have valid job offers from U.S. employers willing to go through the PERM labor certification process.
Key Benefits:
- Direct path to a green card
- No need to prove “extraordinary ability” or “national interest”
- Great option for entry-level workers, tradespeople, and recent graduates
Everything you need to know about EB-3 Visas
There are three subcategories under EB-3:
1. Skilled Workers
Requires at least 2 years of training or work experience
Job must not be seasonal or temporary
Must have a permanent full-time job offer from a U.S. employer
Must complete the PERM labor certification process
2. Professionals
Requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent
Education must be directly related to the job
Work experience cannot substitute for the degree
Requires PERM labor certification and U.S. employer sponsorship
3. Unskilled or “Other” Workers
For jobs requiring less than 2 years of experience or training
Example: caregivers, hospitality workers, farm laborers
Must be full-time and permanent
Requires PERM labor certification
This subcategory often has the longest wait times
What Is PERM Labor Certification?
It’s a process where the U.S. Department of Labor verifies that:
There are no qualified U.S. workers available for the job
Hiring the foreign worker will not negatively affect U.S. wages or conditions
This is required for all EB-3 applicants, and can take several months or more.
Slower than EB-1 and EB-2, especially for countries with high demand (India, China, Philippines)
Total process can take 1–3+ years, depending on the applicant’s country and USCIS backlog
Spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply as derivative applicants
Spouse can apply for a work permit (EAD); children can attend school
The job is temporary or seasonal
You don’t meet the education or experience requirements
Your U.S. employer is not willing to complete the PERM and sponsor the petition