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.
