EB-3 Visa for Skilled or Unskilled Workers to Permanent Resident

 “EB” in the EB-3 visa stands for “employment based” visas.  EB visas allow a person to get a green card for permanent resident status. There are several different kinds of visas which are specifically tailored to fit different types of employment. All EB visas have a corresponding visa for spouses and children. Some EB visas require that you have an offer for permanent full-time employment with a U.S. based employer (unless you have exceptional abilities or you are working in the interest of the U.S.) and that employer must be willing to complete a labor certification for you. A labor certification certifies that the employer advertised the position you are taking and no U.S. workers want the job. 

EB-3 Visa Requirements

The EB-3 visa requirements are the least restrictive of all the EB visa categories.  This category includes skilled and unskilled workers including the following examples of workers:

• Nurse’s aides
• Chefs
• Reporters
• Fashion designers
• Farm workers
• A professional with 5 years’ experience and bachelor’s degree in same field
• Janitors

EB-3 Visa Fees and Costs

EB-3 visa costs include a filing fee of $475, unless you need a faster processing in which case the fee is currently $1,000.00. 

EB-3 Visa Documents Needed

Unlike the EB-1 visa, and EB-2 visa, you must have a labor certification in order to get an EB-3 visa which means you must have an offer for full-time work with a U.S. employer who is willing to complete the labor certification process for you.  There is no national interest waiver available for an EB-3 visa.

The following is a list of some of the EB-3 visa documents you need to process:

• An approved labor certification completed by your employer
• Form I-140
• Evidence that you have at least ten years of experience in your field
• Evidence of your achievements and recognition in your field
• Proof you have the required education and experience for the position you have been offered including education transcripts and certifications or licenses

Help From a US Immigration Lawyer

Many people hope to come to the U.S. to work permanently, and many Americans worry about immigrants taking jobs away from U.S. citizens, especially in tough economic times.  For this reason, specific requirements have been put in place to limit the number and types of work that can be offered to foreign workers. In order to successfully complete the labor certification as well as all the other evidence required, it is best to consult an experienced immigration attorney.  You don’t want to risk a job opportunity by filing an incomplete visa petition which might delay or destroy your opportunity.  Every case is different and an attorney will know exactly what documents you need to successfully apply for your EB-3 visa.