ABOUT EB3
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EB-3 immigrant visas allow certain professional workers, skilled workers, and unskilled workers to obtain a U.S. green card or lawful permanent resident status. The "EB" in the EB-3 visa stands for "employment based." There are many types of employment-based U.S. visas that offer PR.
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In order to qualify for an EB-3 visa, you must have an offer of permanent, full-time employment from a U.S. based employer.
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The EB visa allows your spouse and children to accompany you and obtain U.S. green cards. The children must remain unmarried and under the age of 21.
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Labor certification is required for all three EB-3 subcategories.​
Who is Eligible for an EB-3 Visa?
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Skilled Worker. You must be able to prove that you have at least two years of job experience or training (some post-secondary education may qualify as training). You must be performing work for which qualified workers are not available in the US. A labor certification and permanent, full-time job offer are required.
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Professional. You must be able to prove that you have a US bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree in the related field. You must be performing work for which qualified workers are not available in the US. If you have work experience and a degree, but not a bachelor’s degree, it will not count. A labor certification and permanent, full-time job offer are required.
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Unskilled Worker. You must be capable of performing unskilled labor that is not temporary (or seasonal,) for which qualified workers are not available in the US. A labor certification and permanent, full-time job offer are required.
How Long Does It Take to Get an EB-3 Visa?
On average, it takes six months to process Form I-140. If the US government requires that you go through PERM Labor Certification, it can take longer. In some cases, it can take up to two years. The good news is, you can speed up the process with premium processing. The fee is $1,225 but instead of six months to process the I-140, it will take 15 days.
PROCESS
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File Form I-140, which is an immigration petition. -
Obtain an approved application for Permanent Labor Certification from the US Department of Labor (If required for the specific visa category.)
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Complete the Form I-140.
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Submit the Filing Fee(s).
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Submit evidence.
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Sign and file the Form I-140.
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PERM/Labor Certification.
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I-140 Immigration Petition.
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Waiting for your priority date. After the I-140 petition is approved, you have to wait until a visa is available. This is based on the date the labor certification was filed.
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I-485 Application to Adjust Status. After the previous two steps are complete, the last step is to apply to become a permanent resident of the US. You can do this by filling our Form I-485.