US EB3 Work Visa Process 2025 – Complete Guide

The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa that provides a pathway to permanent residency (Green Card) in the United States. It is designed for skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled (other) workers who have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer.

This guide explains the EB-3 visa process, eligibility criteria for each worker category, required documents, application fees, and key benefits for foreign workers and their families

Details:

Category	Details
Location	USA
Visa Type	EB-3 Employment-Based Immigrant Visa
Eligible Workers	Skilled, Unskilled, and Professionals
Sponsorship	Required from a U.S. employer
Green Card	Yes (Permanent Residency)
Estimated Salary	$40,000 to $90,000 annually

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Introduction:

The EB-3 visa is one of five employment-based immigrant visa categories offered by the United States. It allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the U.S. based on employment and labor market needs.

The EB-3 category includes three subgroups:

1. EB-3(A): Professionals

For individuals with at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent working in roles that require such education.

Examples: Teachers, Engineers, Accountants, Architects

Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Full-time job offer from a U.S. employer
• Labor Certification (PERM) approved by the U.S. Department of Labor

2. EB-3(B): Skilled Workers

For individuals with at least 2 years of job experience or training, but not necessarily a college degree.

Examples: Welders, Chefs, Electricians, Technicians

Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum 2 years of training or relevant work experience
• Full-time job offer in a skilled position
• Labor Certification (PERM) from the employer

3. EB-3(C): Unskilled Workers (Other Workers)

For roles that require less than 2 years of training or experience.

Examples: Cleaners, Farm Workers, Caregivers, Janitors

Eligibility Requirements:

• Ability to perform unskilled work
• Full-time permanent job offer
• Labor Certification from employer

Required Documents:

To apply for the EB-3 visa, you’ll need:

• Valid passport (minimum 6-month validity)
• Passport-size photographs (U.S. visa format)
• Birth certificate
• Educational certificates or professional qualifications
• Experience letters or job training records
• Job offer letter from a sponsoring U.S. employer
• PERM Labor Certification (filed by the employer)
• Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
• Form DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa Application)
• Medical examination report (from authorized panel physician)
• Government-issued ID
• Tax return proof (if applicable)

Benefits:

• Permanent Residency (Green Card):
  EB3 visa holders are granted lawful permanent residence in the U.S., allowing them to live and work indefinitely.
• Work Authorization:
  You can legally work for your sponsoring employer in a full-time, permanent position.
• Family Immigration Included:
  Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are eligible to receive Green Cards and can join you in the U.S.
• Pathway to U.S. Citizenship:
  After 5 years of permanent residency, you may apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
• No Annual Renewal Needed:
  Unlike temporary visas, the EB3 is a one-time immigrant visa that leads to permanent residency without frequent renewals.
• Access to U.S. Benefits:
  As a Green Card holder, you gain access to social services, education, and healthcare programs available to permanent residents.
• Job Flexibility (Post-Green Card):
  Once you receive your Green Card, you can eventually change employers without needing new sponsorship (after fulfilling any initial obligations).
• Travel Freedom:
  You can enter and leave the U.S. freely with a valid Green Card, without needing re-entry visas.
• Long-Term Stability:
  The EB3 visa offers a secure future in the U.S. with options for home ownership, business investment, and family settlement.
• Opportunity for Professional Growth:
  Skilled and professional workers can advance their careers in U.S. industries with long-term employment.
• Education Opportunities for Children:
  Dependent children can access U.S. public education and, in many cases, in-state tuition at public universities.
• Equal Rights as Permanent Residents:
  EB3 Green Card holders enjoy nearly all the rights of U.S. citizens (except voting), including legal protections and workplace rights.

EB3 vs EB2 Visa Difference:

When applying for a U.S. employment-based green card, understanding the difference between EB3 and EB2 visas is crucial. Both are part of the permanent residency pathways, but they serve different professional categories and have distinct requirements.

EB2 Visa Overview:

• For professionals with advanced degrees (Master’s or higher) or exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business.
• Often faster processing times due to higher priority.
• Eligible for National Interest Waiver (NIW) in some cases (no job offer needed).

EB3 Visa Overview:

• For skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers.
• Requires a permanent job offer and PERM labor certification.
• Longer waiting times due to higher demand and lower preference category.

Key Differences:

Criteria	EB2	EB3
Eligibility	Advanced degree or exceptional ability	Skilled, professional, or unskilled workers
PERM Required	Yes (except NIW cases)	Yes
Processing Time	Usually faster	Typically slower
Visa Backlogs	Less common	More frequent for certain countries
Job Offer	Required (unless NIW)	Always required

Conclusion:
If you qualify for EB2, it’s typically the better choice due to faster processing and higher preference. However, EB3 is ideal for workers without advanced degrees or for unskilled positions.

EB3 PERM Labor Certification:

The PERM labor certification is a key step in the EB3 green card process. It ensures that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively impact U.S. workers’ job opportunities or wages.

What is PERM?
PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) is a process administered by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that certifies no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job being offered to a foreign national.

PERM Steps for EB3 Visa:

• Prevailing Wage Determination
  • Employer requests wage info from DOL.
• Recruitment Process
  • Employer must advertise the job and prove no U.S. worker is available.
• Filing ETA Form 9089
  • The PERM application must be submitted electronically.
• Approval
  • Once certified, the employer can move forward with Form I-140 petition.

Typical Timeline:

• Prevailing wage: 2–3 months
• Recruitment: 2+ months
• DOL processing: 6–8 months
• Total: 8–12 months on average

Conclusion:
The PERM labor certification is a vital part of the EB3 process, particularly for employers sponsoring foreign workers. Hiring an immigration attorney can improve accuracy and success rates.

EB3 Green Card Process:

The EB3 green card allows skilled, professional, and unskilled workers to obtain permanent residency in the United States. Below is a breakdown of the full process.

Step-by-Step Process:

• PERM Labor Certification (if required)
  • Employer proves no qualified U.S. workers are available.
• Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
  • Filed by the employer to USCIS after PERM is approved.
• Priority Date Wait
  • Applicants wait for their priority date to become current (see the Visa Bulletin).
• Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or Consular Processing
  • If in the U.S., file I-485; if abroad, attend an interview at a U.S. consulate.
• Receive Green Card
  • After USCIS or the consulate approves the case, the applicant becomes a lawful permanent resident.

Processing Time (2025 Estimate):

• PERM: 8–12 months
• I-140: 6–9 months
• I-485/Consular Processing: 8–14 months
• Total: Around 2–3 years (varies by country and backlog)

Conclusion:
The EB3 Green Card is a valuable pathway for individuals seeking employment-based permanent residency. Early planning and accurate documentation are essential for a smooth process.

EB3 Visa Requirements:

The EB3 visa is a third-preference employment-based immigrant visa for foreign workers seeking permanent residence in the U.S. It covers three main categories of workers.

EB3 Visa Categories & Requirements:

• Skilled Workers
  • Minimum 2 years of job experience or training
  • Full-time permanent job offer
  • Labor certification (PERM) required
• Professionals
  • U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent
  • Job must require a degree
  • PERM required
• Unskilled Workers (Other Workers)
  • Less than 2 years of training or experience
  • Full-time, non-seasonal job offer
  • PERM required

Common EB3 Visa Documentation:

• Job offer letter from U.S. employer
• Approved PERM labor certification
• Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition)
• Proof of qualifications (degrees, training, work history)
• Passport and civil documents
• Medical examination results (during I-485 or consular process)

Additional Requirements:

• Employer must prove ability to pay wages (via tax returns or audited financials)
• Applicant must not be inadmissible under U.S. immigration law

Conclusion:
Meeting the EB3 visa requirements involves both employer and employee preparation. Make sure all documents are accurate and current to avoid delays or denials.

Visa Cost:

Fee Type	Estimated Cost (USD)
I-140 Petition (Employer Files)	$700
DS-260 Application Fee	$325
Medical Exam & Vaccinations	$200–$500 (varies)
Translation & Document Prep	Varies by applicant/country
Biometrics	$85 (if required)

How to Apply for US EB3 Work Visa Process 2025?

Step 1: PERM Labor Certification

• The U.S. employer must file a PERM with the Department of Labor.
• Employer must prove there are no qualified U.S. workers for the job.

Step 2: File Form I-140

• Employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker).
• If approved, a priority date is issued.

Step 3: Wait for Visa Availability

• Check the Visa Bulletin monthly to track priority date progress.
• When the priority date becomes current, move to the next step.

Step 4: Submit Form DS-260

• Complete the DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa Application).
• Pay required fees and gather all supporting documents.

Step 5: Attend Medical Exam

• Attend a medical exam with a USCIS-approved panel physician.

Step 6: Attend Visa Interview

• Interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
• Bring all documentation and medical results.

Step 7: Enter the U.S.

• Upon visa approval, travel to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
• Green Card is mailed to your U.S. address within weeks.

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Additional Information:

• Sponsorship is mandatory: A U.S. employer must offer a permanent, full-time job and agree to sponsor your Green Card application.
• The EB-3 process can take several months to a few years depending on your country of origin and job type.
• Once you get your Green Card, you can work for any employer after fulfilling any initial contractual period with your sponsor.

Frequently Asked Questions: