EB-3 Visa Cost, Processing Time and Requirements

An EB-3 visa is a U.S. employment-based immigration visa for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers (unskilled labor). To apply for an EB-3 visa, you typically need a sponsor who is a U.S. employer. The process involves several key steps, and finding the right sponsor is essential. Here’s what you need to know:

Types of EB-3 Visa Categories:

1. Skilled Workers: Individuals with at least 2 years of experience or training in a job that requires specialized skills.
2. Professionals: Individuals with a U.S. bachelor’s degree or a foreign equivalent in a specific field.
3. Other Workers (Unskilled Labor): Individuals performing unskilled labor that requires less than 2 years of training or experience.

Steps to Find a Sponsor:

1. Employer Sponsorship:

   • Job Offer: You need a permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer.
   • Labor Certification (PERM): The employer must apply for a Labor Certification through the U.S. Department of Labor, showing there are no qualified U.S. workers for the job and hiring you will not negatively affect U.S. workers’ wages or working conditions.
   • Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker): After obtaining the Labor Certification, the employer will file this form with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request your permanent residency.

2. Search for Employers:

   • Job Listings: Look for U.S. companies that offer positions matching your qualifications and that may be willing to sponsor you. Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor often have job postings from employers open to sponsorship.
   • Networking: Attending job fairs, connecting with professional networks, or seeking out industry-specific forums can help you find potential sponsors.
   • Immigration Attorneys or Agencies: Some attorneys or immigration agencies specialize in helping foreign workers find sponsoring employers.

3. Employer’s Responsibilities:

   • The employer must prove they can pay the wage offered to you and demonstrate they are willing to sponsor you for the long term EB-3 Visa Sponsor.
   • The process can be lengthy, and some employers may be more familiar with sponsoring EB-3 visa workers than others, so it’s important to choose an employer experienced in immigration matters.

4. Adjustment of Status (if applicable):

   • If you’re already in the U.S. on another visa, you might be able to adjust your status without leaving the country once your I-140 is approved.
   • If you’re outside the U.S., you’ll need to go through consular processing to apply for the visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Important Considerations:

• Timeline: The EB-3 visa process can take several months to several years, depending on factors like priority dates, country of origin, and processing times.
• Priority Date: The EB-3 visa has a waiting period for certain countries due to the annual cap on the number of visas issued per country.
• Dependents: Spouses and children under 21 can be included in the visa petition and join you in the U.S.