What types of jobs qualify for an EB-3 visa?

EB-3 jobs cover a wide range of different roles. The level of experience depends on the category. Unskilled jobs that require less than two years of training or expertise provide the most flexibility.

Can I apply for an EB-3 visa without a job offer?

No. A job offer from a U.S. employer is a fundamental requirement of the EB-3 visa. The employer must also demonstrate that no qualified U.S. workers are able to fill the position.

How long does it take to get an EB-3 visa?

The processing time for an EB-3 visa can vary. It depends on several factors, such as the applicant's country of origin, the EB-3 subcategory and any backlogs. On average, the process can take from two to three years.

What is the EB-3 visa priority date?

Think of the priority date as your place in the queue for a Green Card. You will be given a date once the PERM labor certification is filed. The priority date is significant for EB-3 visas because visa availability is subject to annual quotas. Priority dates determine when an immigrant can apply for a visa or adjustment of status.

Are there any restrictions on changing jobs after obtaining an EB-3 visa?

Once the I-140 form is approved, it may be possible to change jobs. Under the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act, EB-3 visa holders can change jobs in certain situations. However, there are various factors to consider. For this reason, we recommend that you speak with an immigration attorney for advice based on your situation.

What Are the EB-3 Visa Requirements?

The EB-3 visa requirements, particularly the unskilled worker category, are less strict than other U.S. visa types.

The program aims to address U.S. labour shortages by enabling foreign nationals to move permanently to America by undertaking a specific job role.

This article is part of our complete guide to the EB-3 visa, which provides a comprehensive overview of the employment-based visa. In this guide, learn about the EB-3 visa requirements and job role criteria for skilled, professional and unskilled workers.

EB3 Visa requirements

The EB-3 visa has three different categories, each with specific requirements as detailed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Below are the requirements for each of the visa categories:

EB-3(A): Skilled Workers

The EB-3(A) skilled worker visa requires at least two years of relevant training or experience and a job offer from a U.S.-based employer for a position that cannot be filled by a U.S. worker.

EB-3(B): Professionals

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. or its foreign equivalent, and have a job offer for a position that cannot be filled by a U.S. worker.

EB-3(C): Unskilled or Other Worker

Applicants must be able to perform unskilled labor that requires less than two years of training or experience, and have a job offer from an employer who can demonstrate the absence of qualified American workers for such positions.

The third EB-3 visa category offers foreign workers the opportunity to obtain permanent residency by proving the existence of job positions with low requirements that cannot be filled by American workers. This is why it is a popular and secure option for foreign workers seeking to become permanent residents quickly.

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

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

Track your applications from start to finish in the Holborn App

Experience a seamless, secure, all-in-one financial management solution that fits in your pocket

EB-3 Unskilled Workers visa requirements

The EB-3 Other Workers visa has relatively low requirements.

A language proficiency certification is not required, but applicants must understand English well enough to perform their job in the U.S.

Job experience or educational degrees are also not required.

However, there are some other requirements, such as obtaining certain documents, explained in more detail below.

EB-3 Green Card process cost

There are no salary requirements to be eligible for the EB-3 visa.

The cost for the EB-3 Other Workers visa process is $45,000 USD for the main applicant, covering all applicable government charges.

Dependents, including a spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21, can be added to your application for an additional fee of $3,000 USD each.

You may also consider other optional associated costs, such as the premium processing fee of $5,000 USD, reducing the processing time of your application.

Read our guide on the EB-3 visa process cost.

Undertaking a job role

The EB-3 visa provides the main applicant with an employment-based Green Card, which requires them to work in a specific role. This makes it different from the EB-5 Visa, which qualifies applicants through the creation of jobs for U.S. workers.

To qualify for the EB-3 Green Card, the applicant must demonstrate that they are willing to work in America.

Holborn’s unique EB-3 visa program is able to offer you, through our partnerships, a guaranteed job on arrival in the U.S.

Read our guide on the EB-3 visa jobs.

Medical check report

One of the eligibility requirements for obtaining most U.S. immigrant visas, including the EB-3 Work Visa, is being in good health. It is important as the applicants must be able to perform their job duties effectively.

To become Green Card holders, applicants must undergo a medical examination, regardless of age, gender, nationality or health. Depending on your medical history, you may also need to receive certain vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides an in-depth analysis of the vaccination criteria.

The medical check has to be conducted by an authorised panel doctor. Your visa application will not be accepted if your medical check is completed by a non-authorised physician.

There is a list of medical experts from each country that are authorised to perform these checks, and Holborn can point you in the right direction.

Police clearance certificate

Securing a police clearance certificate from your home country is a requirement for all U.S. immigrant visas, including the EB-3 visa.

A police clearance certificate is an official document issued by state police or relevant security authorities detailing any arrests or legal issues encountered by an individual in a specified area.

You will need to submit the police clearance certificate from:

The country of your birth – if you lived there for at least 6 months,
Any other country where you lived for the period of at least 12 months after the age of 16,
The country of residence– if you have lived there for at least 6 months.

To be eligible for the EB-3 Green Card, applicants must disclose any criminal records to assess their application’s likelihood of success.

It is important to note that all applicants over the age of 16 will need to submit the police clearance certificate, including your spouse and dependent children.

If you have criminal record or have previously been rejected by the U.S. consular, it is important to seek comprehensive advice.

Ready to speak to a specialist?

How Holborn can help you secure your EB-3 Visa

The EB-3 visa program offers foreign workers and their families a pathway to become permanent residents in the U.S. in exchange for undertaking employment in the U.S.

The program offers a wide range of benefits, including the chance to live and work anywhere in the U.S. And while the EB-3 visa is not a residency by investment program, it leads to U.S. residency.

If you would like to learn more or have any questions, we can help.

Holborn Pass is an international leader in investor visas. We provide an end-to-end service to support you throughout the EB-3 process.

We are part of the wider Holborn Assets Group, a leading, award-winning financial advisory company with over $2 billion in assets under management (AUM).

We have successfully helped hundreds of individuals and families secure their second residency. To find out how we can assist you, book a consultation with one of our advisers.