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EB3-Visa - Key Requirements for Employment-Based Visa in the U.S.
Many people from other countries dream of living and working in the United States to improve their lives and careers. The EB-3 visa is a great option, as it allows individuals to make this dream come true.
It is available to both skilled and unskilled workers, offering them opportunities to get jobs in the U.S. and eventually become permanent residents.
Although applying for the EB-3 visa jobs can be tricky, understanding the requirements makes the process easier.
This guide will explain the key steps, helping you understand how to successfully apply for the visa and achieve your goal of living and working in the United States.
What is an EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa category that leads to a Green Card. It allows foreign workers to become permanent residents of the U.S. through employment.
The EB-3 visa is mainly categorized into two key groups:
Skilled Workers – Positions that require at least two years of training or experience.
Unskilled Workers – Jobs requiring less than two years of training or experience.
Each category has its own set of requirements, but both offer a pathway to live and work in the United States permanently if approved.
What Are the Key Requirements for an EB-3 Visa?
To successfully apply for an EB-3 visa, it's important to understand the key requirements that determine eligibility. These include:
Employer Sponsorship
The first primary requirement for an EB-3 visa is employer sponsorship. A U.S. employer must offer a full-time, permanent job to a foreign worker.
The employer must then file the necessary paperwork, including completing the PERM labor certification.
This proves that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position and that hiring a foreign worker will not harm U.S. wages or working conditions.
Eligible Occupation Categories
To qualify for an EB-3 visa, the applicant must fit into one of the specific occupation categories defined by the program.
As mentioned earlier, an EB-3 visa includes two subcategories of eligible occupations:
For Skilled Workers: Jobs that require at least 2 years of training, education, or experience.
For Unskilled Workers: Jobs that require less than 2 years of training or experience, such as entry-level or labor positions.
Employee Qualifications
To ensure eligibility for the EB-3 visa, you must understand the qualifications needed for each category.
For Skilled Workers
Skilled workers must have at least 2 years of experience or training in a specific job field. Applicants must provide proof of their qualifications, such as employment records or training certifications, and show they meet the job requirements set by the U.S. employer.
For Unskilled Workers
While formal qualifications may not be necessary, applicants must still show they can perform the required duties effectively, often through previous work experience.
Immigration Petition
After the PERM labor certification is approved, the employer must file Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
This petition shows the employer’s intention to sponsor the foreign worker and proves they can afford to pay the offered wages.
The employer must also submit financial documents like tax returns or audited financial statements as part of the petition.
Visa Availability
Once Form I-140 is filed, applicants must wait for a visa number to become available in the EB-3 category. The U.S. Department of State manages visa availability through the monthly updated Visa Bulletin.
Wait times can differ based on the applicant’s country of origin and the application volume, so it is crucial to stay informed about the latest updates.
Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
Once the Form I-140 is approved and a visa number is available, applicants can proceed with either:
Adjustment of Status: If the applicant is already in the U.S. on a valid visa, they can file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) to change their status to permanent resident.
Consular Processing: If the applicant is outside the U.S., they will need to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country to complete the visa process.
Medical Examination and Good Moral Character
Applicants must undergo a medical examination by an authorized physician to ensure they do not have any health conditions that would make them inadmissible to the U.S.
Additionally, applicants must demonstrate good moral character, which includes having no serious criminal history or immigration violations that could disqualify them from obtaining the visa.
Application Fee
When applying for an EB-3 visa, there are several fees you will need to pay. These include the PERM labor certification fee, the Form I-140 filing fee, and fees for either adjustment of status or consular processing.
While the exact fees may vary depending on your specific situation, it is important to be prepared for these costs as part of the application process.
Make sure to budget accordingly to avoid any surprises along the way.
Choose “eb3.work” for Your Employment-Based Immigration Journey
When navigating the complexities of the EB-3 visa application, expert guidance is essential. eb3.work is a trusted platform that connects foreign workers with legitimate employers offering EB-3 sponsorship.
Their team provides comprehensive support at every step, helping applicants successfully secure Green Cards through the platform.
By simplifying the job search and immigration process, they make it easier for you to achieve your goal of U.S. permanent residency efficiently.
Conclusion
The EB-3 visa is a great pathway to U.S. permanent residence for skilled and unskilled workers. While the process involves various steps, understanding the key requirements, such as employer sponsorship, eligible occupation categories, employee qualifications, and the labor certification process, can help streamline your application.
By following the guidelines and working with the right experts, you can successfully navigate the EB-3 visa process and start your journey toward a new life in the U.S.
