EB-3 Visas: A Gateway to Employment-Based Green Cards in the U.S.

The EB-3 visa is a U.S. employment-based green card designed for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. It serves as a legal immigration path for foreign nationals who wish to live and work in the United States permanently. The EB-3 visa is a part of the third preference category of employment-based immigration, offering a practical route for individuals without extraordinary qualifications or advanced degrees.

For many people around the world, the EB-3 visa opens doors to new opportunities, financial growth, and long-term residency in the U.S. It's especially attractive for those with work experience or job offers in sectors facing labor shortages.

The EB-3 visa allows skilled, professional, and unskilled foreign workers to gain permanent residency in the U.S. It supports U.S. employers by filling labor gaps and offers foreign nationals a stable path to live and work in America. Applicants must meet job-specific criteria, secure labor certification, and complete multi-step immigration procedures. Accura Immigration Firm provides expert legal support throughout the EB-3 process, helping both employers and employees with transparent, personalized, and professional immigration services tailored to each case.

Purpose of the EB-3 Visa

The primary purpose of the EB-3 visa is to fill gaps in the U.S. labor market by allowing employers to hire foreign nationals for positions they cannot fill with domestic workers. This includes jobs in industries such as healthcare, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and food services.

The visa category supports both the U.S. economy and foreign workers by providing access to a legal and structured immigration pathway. It helps maintain productivity across industries while ensuring fair labor practices and proper documentation for immigrants.

Types of EB-3 Visa Categories

The EB-3 visa is divided into three main subcategories:

1. Skilled Workers – Individuals with at least two years of job experience or training in their field.

2. Professionals – Applicants holding a U.S. bachelor's degree (or foreign equivalent) relevant to the job offered.

3. Other Workers (Unskilled) – Individuals capable of performing unskilled labor requiring less than two years of experience or training, provided the work is not seasonal or temporary.

Eligibility Criteria for EB-3 Visa

To qualify for an EB-3 visa, applicants must meet specific criteria based on the subcategory:

1. Skilled Workers:

• Must have at least two years of relevant training or work experience.

• Job must not be seasonal or temporary.

• Must have a full-time job offer from a U.S. employer.

• Labor certification from the Department of Labor (DOL) is required.

2. Professionals:

• Must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a foreign institution.

• The job must require a degree, and the applicant must meet the educational requirement.

• Labor certification and a full-time U.S. job offer are mandatory.

3. Other Workers:

• No formal education or experience required, but must demonstrate capability for unskilled labor.

• Position must be full-time and permanent.

• Labor certification from the DOL is required.

In all categories, the U.S. employer must prove they cannot find a qualified U.S. worker to fill the role.

Application Process for the EB-3 Visa

The EB-3 visa process includes multiple stages and takes several months to years, depending on the applicant's nationality and visa bulletin priority dates. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: PERM Labor Certification

• The U.S. employer files a PERM Labor Certification with the U.S. Department of Labor.

• They must demonstrate that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job.

• A recruitment process is conducted before filing the application.

• Once approved, the employer may proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)

• The employer files Form I-140 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

• This petition establishes that the employer has the ability to pay the offered wage and that the foreign national meets all job requirements.

• USCIS may take several months to process the petition, though premium processing is available in many cases.

Step 3: Priority Date and Visa Bulletin

• After I-140 approval, applicants must wait for their priority date to become current.

• The U.S. Department of State publishes a monthly Visa Bulletin indicating availability of immigrant visas based on country and category.

Step 4: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

• If the applicant is in the U.S., they may file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) once the priority date is current.

• If outside the U.S., the case proceeds through Consular Processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country.

• This includes a medical examination, visa interview, and background checks.

step 5: Green Card Issuance

• Upon successful interview and approval, the applicant receives permanent resident status (Green Card).

• This allows them to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely.

Processing Time and Fees

The total processing time varies significantly depending on:

• The applicant’s country of origin

• USCIS and DOL processing backlogs

• Whether premium processing is used

On average, it takes 1.5 to 3 years. For countries with high demand (India, China, Philippines), the wait can be longer due to visa caps.

Fees involved include:

• DOL labor certification costs (employer-covered)

• I-140 filing fee

• Visa application or I-485 filing fee

• Medical exam costs

• Attorney or legal support fees (if applicable)

Benefits of EB-3 Visa

• Permanent Residency: Grants lawful permanent resident (Green Card) status.

• Work and Travel: Allows work anywhere in the U.S. and unrestricted travel.

• Family Inclusion: Spouse and unmarried children under 21 can receive Green Cards.

• Path to Citizenship: Green card holders can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its advantages, the EB-3 visa comes with some challenges:

• Long wait times for nationals from oversubscribed countries

• Complex documentation and legal procedures

• Employer sponsorship requirement

• Strict job-specific qualifications

That’s where professional legal guidance becomes essential.

Accura Immigration Law Firm

Accura Immigration Firm is a premier U.S. immigration law firm with a reputation for simplifying complex immigration cases, including EB-3 visa petitions. With years of experience and a multilingual legal team, Accura Immigration Firm helps employers and foreign workers navigate the U.S. immigration system efficiently and ethically.

Why Choose Accura Immigration Firm for EB-3 Visa Services?

• Expert Legal Support: Their attorneys specialize in employment-based immigration and understand DOL and USCIS protocols deeply.

• Personalized Guidance: Every case is unique, and Accura provides tailored solutions for clients from diverse industries.

• Complete Case Management: From labor certification to final green card approval, their team handles every step.

• Transparent Communication: Clients are kept informed throughout the process with honest updates and realistic timelines.

• Multilingual Staff: Communication is available in multiple languages for global clients.

Their mission is to create legal pathways for individuals and businesses, ensuring that all documentation, forms, and requirements are met precisely. The team works closely with both employers and applicants, making the entire EB-3 visa journey stress-free and successful.

Final Thoughts

The EB-3 visa program offers a solid route to lawful permanent residency in the United States for thousands of skilled and unskilled workers each year. It bridges global talent with American labor needs while offering applicants a chance at long-term stability and opportunity in the U.S.

However, the process can be overwhelming without the right support. That’s where Accura Immigration Law Firm excels—turning complex procedures into clear, actionable steps.

Whether you are an employer seeking global talent or a worker chasing your American dream, Accura’s dedicated team is ready to help you navigate every detail of the EB-3 process.