EB-3 Skilled Workers / Professionals Visa
Employment-based third preference immigrant visa for skilled workers with at least two years of experience, professionals with bachelor's degrees, and other workers.
~40,000
Annual Cap
3 (Skilled, Professional, Other)
Subcategories
Yes, for all subcategories
PERM Required
What is the EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 visa provides a path to U.S. permanent residency for three subcategories of workers: skilled workers with at least two years of training or experience, professionals holding a U.S. bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent, and other workers performing unskilled labor that is not temporary or seasonal. All EB-3 petitions require employer sponsorship and an approved PERM labor certification from the Department of Labor.
Eligibility Requirements
Application Process
U.S. employer conducts recruitment and files PERM labor certification with the Department of Labor
Upon PERM approval, employer files Form I-140 petition with USCIS
Wait for immigrant visa number to become available (priority date must be current)
File Form I-485 for adjustment of status or apply through consular processing at a U.S. Embassy
Attend biometrics and interview, then receive Green Card upon approval
Duration of Stay
Permanent residency (Green Card)
Frequently Asked Questions
QHow long does the EB-3 process take?
The entire EB-3 process typically takes 2 to 5 years or more. PERM labor certification takes 6 to 18 months, I-140 processing takes 6 to 12 months (premium processing available), and wait times for a visa number vary by country of birth. Applicants from India and China face significantly longer wait times.
QCan I change employers during the EB-3 process?
Changing employers generally requires restarting the process with a new PERM and I-140. However, if your I-140 has been approved for at least 180 days and you have a pending I-485, you can port to a new employer in the same or similar occupation without losing your priority date.
QWhat is the difference between EB-3 skilled worker and other worker?
Skilled workers must have at least 2 years of training or work experience in their occupation, while other workers perform unskilled labor requiring less than 2 years of training or experience. Other workers face the same annual visa cap but may have longer wait times due to high demand in the subcategory.
Related Visa Types
EB-2 Advanced Degree / National Interest Waiver Visa
Employment-based second preference immigrant visa for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, including the National Interest Waiver (NIW) pathway.
EB-1 Extraordinary Ability / Employment First Preference Visa
Employment-based first preference immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, or multinational managers and executives.
U.S. Permanent Resident Card
Permanent residency in the United States, granting the right to live and work permanently.
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Work visa for professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher.
Related Immigration Forms
Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
Filed by U.S. employers to petition for a foreign worker to become a lawful permanent resident based on an employment-based immigrant visa category.
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Filed by individuals already in the U.S. to adjust their status to permanent resident (Green Card).
Application for Employment Authorization
Filed to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for work permission in the U.S.
Application for Travel Document
Used to apply for a reentry permit, refugee travel document, or advance parole.
Skilled worker or professional seeking a Green Card?
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