EB-3

What is the EB-3 Immigrant Visa Category?

The third preference category is specified for skilled, professional, or “other” workers.

• “Skilled workers” are persons whose job requires a minimum of 2 years training or work experience, not of a temporary or seasonal nature

• “Professionals” are persons whose job requires at least a U.S. baccalaureate degree or a foreign equivalent and are a member of the professions

• The “other workers” subcategory is for persons performing unskilled labor requiring less than 2 years training or experience, not of a temporary or seasonal nature.

Is sponsorship from a U.S. employer required?

Yes. A permanent, full-time job offer is required. Third preference petitions must generally be accompanied by an approved, individual labor certification from the Department of Labor on Form ETA-9089

How to qualify for an EB-3 visa?

There are three subcategories under EB-3. The requirements for each subcategory are as follows:

• Skilled Workers

  • You must be able to demonstrate at least 2 years of job experience or training

  • You must be performing work for which qualified workers are not available in the United States

  • Labor certification and a permanent, full-time job offer required.

• Professionals

  • You must be able to demonstrate that you possess a U.S. baccalaureate degree or foreign degree equivalent, and that a baccalaureate degree is the normal requirement for entry into the occupation

  • You must be performing work for which qualified workers are not available in the United States

  • Education and experience may not be substituted for a baccalaureate degree

  • Labor certification and a permanent, full-time job offer required.

• Unskilled Workers (Other Workers)

  • You must be capable, at the time the petition is filed on your behalf, of performing unskilled labor (requiring less than 2 years training or experience), that is not of a temporary or seasonal nature, for which qualified workers are not available in the United States.

  • Labor certification and a permanent, full-time job offer required.

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