A Complete Guide to the EB-3 Visa
The EB-3 visa is a great option for foreign workers looking to live and work permanently in the United States.
The employment-based visa program grants legal residence to skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers through employer sponsorship.
If you're wondering whether you qualify, how much it costs, or what jobs are available under the EB-3 visa, this guide will answer all your questions.
On this page:
- EB-3 Visa: the Key Points
- What is the EB-3 Visa?
- EB-3 Visa: Key Benefits
- What are the U.S. EB-3 Visa Requirements?
- EB-3 Visa Jobs: Employment Opportunities for Applicants
- Applying for the EB-3 Visa
- How Much Does the EB-3 Visa Cost?
- The Different Types of Employment-Based Visas Explained
- Should you Work with an EB-3 Consultant?
- Summary
EB-3 Visa: the Key Points
Here are some of the key points to know about the U.S. Visa program:
- The EB-3 program is an employment-based immigration visa
- Successful applicants have the right to live and work permanently in the United States
- EB-3(C) Other or Unskilled Workers: Those performing unskilled labor that requires less than two years of training or experience.
- The EB-3 visa program provides a pathway to becoming a U.S. citizen after five years
- You can include family members under the same EB-3 Visa petition
What is the EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 program is a U.S. work visa, meaning you must have sponsorship from a U.S. employer.
The visa is designed for foreign nationals wanting to live and work permanently in the United States. The visa gives you a Green Card and can lead to U.S. citizenship after five years.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) oversees the program and visa applications. The U.S. issues around 40,000 EB-3 visas each year.
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EB-3 Visa: Key Benefits
EB-3 offers several benefits to foreign nationals and their families. Some of these include:
Green Card
The EB-3 program provides a pathway to securing a Green Card. Holders of a U.S. Green Card can live and work permanently in the United States.
Related article: What is the Fastest Way to Get a U.S. Green Card?
Route to Citizenship
As a Green Card holder, you can apply to become a U.S. citizen after five years of permanent residence.
Family Members
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can apply for Green Cards under the same EB-3 Visa petition.
Travel Freely
You and your family can travel freely in and out of the United States.
Guaranteed Job Offer
Having a job offer is a crucial component of the EB-3 program. Through our partnerships, we can offer you a guaranteed permanent, full-time job on arrival in the U.S..
What are the U.S. EB-3 Visa Requirements?
Some basic requirements you must meet to qualify for an EB-3 visa include:
- Be willing to work for a sponsor
- Be able to speak basic English
- Provide medical checks and police clearance reports
Related article: what are the EB-3 visa requirements
Additionally, an employer must sponsor you. We cover the employment criteria in the next section.
EB-3 Visa Jobs: Employment Opportunities for Applicants
To qualify for the U.S. EB-3 program, you must you must fit into one of these three categories:
- Skilled Workers: these jobs require at least two years of training or work experience.
- Professionals: these jobs often require at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Other Workers: these jobs are typically unskilled roles and require less than two years of experience.
Because the EB-3 program requires employer sponsorship, finding a job that qualifies under this visa category is crucial.
Read our guide to the EB-3 visa job categories for a more detailed overview.
Working with Holborn
We have helped over
1000+
families to gain citizenship or residency
Over
$300 million
invested in CBI programmes through us
More than
$450 million
of property assets purchased in the last three years
We have helped over
40
client nationalities secure a golden visa
1000+
Families helped to gain citizenship/residency
$300 million
Amount we have invested in CBI programmes
$450 million
Value of property assets purchased in the last three years
40+
Client nationalities we have helped secure a golden visa
Applying for the EB-3 Visa
The EB-3 visa application process involves several steps. Here is an overview of the process:
- Labor certification (PERM): your employer must secure labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor, proving that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the role.
- File Form I-140: Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, must be filed to the USCIS.
- Adjustment of status or consular processing: if you already live in the U.S., you can apply for your Green Card (adjustment of status). If you live outside the country, you must attend an interview at a U.S. consulate.
The processing time can vary. You can learn more about the current processing time updates by visiting the Visa Bulletin.
Keeping track of your application is essential. Doing so can help you avoid common mistakes like missing deadlines or submitting incomplete forms.
You can track your EB-3 Visa application with Holborn using our app. The app allows you to view all the steps, what stage your application is currently at, and what will happen next.
Stay up-to-date with your application. Download the Holborn Assets App via the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.
Read our guide to the EB-3 visa process to learn more.
How Much Does the EB-3 Visa Cost?
The total cost of a U.S. EB-3 visa varies. Some of the typical costs include:
- Form I-140 Filing Fee
- Adjustment of Status Fee (if applicable)
- Consular Processing Fee
- Attorney Fees
You should know that additional costs apply if you add dependents to your application.
Read our guide to the EB-3 visa costs to learn more.
The Different Types of Employment-Based Visas Explained
The EB-3 is not the only employment-based Green Card. The three main employment-based (EB) visas in the United States are the EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3.
- EB-1: for those with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers and multinational executives.
- EB-2: for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities.
- EB-3: for skilled, professional, and unskilled workers with employer sponsorship.
Read our guide on the difference between EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 to learn the differences between the three main types of employment-based visas in the United States.
Should you Work with an EB-3 Consultant?
An EB-3 consultant offers personalised support and guidance on complex areas like immigration law. Some of the benefits of working with a consultant include:
- Finding a job: having a job offer is essential. Holborn can assist you in securing employment ahead of time.
- Expert guidance: better navigate the complex immigration process and avoid pitfalls.
- Streamlined process: working with an EB-3 consultant can help ensure a smooth process.
Read our guide on how to find an EB-3 consultant to learn more about their role and benefits.
Summary
The U.S. EB-3 visa is one of the most sought-after schemes for those looking to secure a Green Card. It is open to foreign nationals and their families, granting permanent residence in the United States.
Summary of key points:
- The EB-3 visa program provides a straightforward route to U.S. residency
- Grants the right to live and work in the U.S.
- Provides a path to U.S. citizenship after five years
- The scheme is open to professional, skilled and unskilled workers
If you’re ready to start your journey, consider consulting an immigration expert to guide you through the process.
Holborn Pass is a leader in investor visas. We work with a global client base, providing expert guidance and a bespoke, end-to-end service.
If you are ready to take the next step, contact Holborn to learn how we can help you.