EB-3 is also known as the Employment-Based Third Preference and this immigrant visa is for individuals who want permanent residence in the United States. If you are a professional, skilled or non-skilled (Other worker), then you are eligible for this visa category.
EB-3 Sub-Categories
1-Professional workers
Professional workers are individuals who are members of the professions and their job requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree or an equivalent foreign degree.
2-Skilled workers
Skilled Workers are individuals whose job requires at least 2 years of experience, training and education. Its nature should not be temporary or seasonal and it should be a full time job. They must meet the job requirements in terms of their educational, experience, and training level.
3-Non-skilled (Other workers)
Non-skilled (Other Workers) are individuals who perform non-skilled jobs, and whose job requires less than 2 years of experience, training, education and is not temporary or seasonal.
EB-3 Visa advantages
- You will receive permanent residency in the United States (U.S. Green Card)
- Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 can receive permanent residency with you.
- Your derivative family members have permission to work and study in the United States
- EB-3 Visa requirements are less strict than any other permanent immigrant visa. Thus, your chances of being eligible is higher
- Premium processing is available for EB-3 Visa category
Professional workers qualifications
- A U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent foreign degree and a full time, permanent job offer
- Show that there are no other available United States workers
- Meet any other requirements of the labor certification
Skilled workers qualifications
- Meet the requirement of two years experience in the job offered and any other special requirements listed in the labor certification
- Show that there are no other United States workers available
Non-skilled (Other workers) qualifications
- Meet the job requirements for a position that requires less than two years experience and is neither temporary, seasonal or part time.
- Show that there are no other United States workers available.
Visa issued each fiscal year for EB-3 Visa
A percentage of 28.6 of the total 140,000 Employment Based Visas, in addition to any unused EB-2 or EB-1 Visas. Moreover, only 10,000 are issued for Non-skilled (other workers) sub-category of EB-3.
EB-3 vs EB-2 & EB-1 Visa
Side by side comparison of Employment options in U.S.
| | EB-1 | EB-2 | EB-3 |
| QUALIFICATIONS | Priority workers: • Aliens with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics • Outstanding professors and researchers • Certain multinational managers and executives | • Aliens with advanced degree • Exceptional ability • National Interest Waiver | • Professionals • Skilled worker • Non-skilled worker |
| ADVANTAGES | • Permanent residence within relatively short time • Spouse and unmarried children under 21 are included in permanent residency. | • Generally faster attainment of permanent residence relative to the EB-3 category; • National Interest Waiver Beneficiary does not require sponsorship from a U.S. employer, and may apply on his or her own behalf | • Permanent residency in the United States; • Your derivatives such as your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 years old will be eligible for the permanent residency; • EB-3 Visa requirements are less strict than any other permanent immigrant visa |
| ABILITY TO SPONSOR YOURSELF | Yes, aliens with extraordinary ability | Yes, National Interest Waiver | No |
| LABOR CERTIFICATION | No | Yes (Except National Interest Waiver) | Yes (Full time or permanent job offer) |
| BENEFICIARY | Spouse and unmarried children 21 yrs old or younger | Spouse and unmarried children 21 yrs old or younger | Spouse and unmarried children 21 yrs old or younger |
| CAN YOUR DERIVATIVE WORK? | Yes, the spouse can work after EAD approval | Yes, the spouse can work after EAD approval | Yes, the spouse can work after EAD approval |
| CAN YOUR DERIVATIVE ATTEND SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EMPLOYMENT FOR APPLICANT | Immediately upon entry | Immediately upon entry | Immediately upon entry |
| SSN | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PROCESSING TIME* | Avg. 8 months | Usually 6 months | from 3 to 8 months |
| VISA ISSUED EACH FISCAL YEAR | 28.6% | 28.6% | 28.6% |
| PREMIUM PROCESSING | Available, even if the petition is outside U.S. (except multinational managers and executives) | Available (Except NIW) | Available |
| INCOME TAX | Yes | Yes | Yes |
NOTE: Content of this website is subject to change. The material here is general in nature and should not be construed as legal advice. If you are considering any type of U.S. Visa, please consult Lawmaks or other competent U.S. Immigration Attorney prior to making any arrangements.
