The EB-3 visa, also known as the third preference employment-based visa, is a direct path for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency (green card) in the United States through employment opportunities. It is for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers who possess the necessary qualifications but may not meet the strict requirements of EB-1 or EB-2 visa categories.
The EB-3 Visa is a U.S. employment-based immigration visa for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. It requires a permanent job offer and labor certification. Skilled workers need at least two years of experience, professionals must have a bachelor's degree, and other workers can perform unskilled labor that is not temporary or seasonal.
The U.S. employer files a labor certification with the DOL, proving efforts to hire a qualified U.S. worker and showing the foreign hire won't affect U.S. wages or conditions.
After labor certification approval, the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS to confirm the job offer and the worker's qualifications. It takes from 6 months to over a year.
Upon I-140 approval, the worker applies for a visa through consular processing abroad or status adjustment if already in the U.S.
Path to Permanent Residency
Family Sponsorship
Increased Job Opportunities
Travel Flexibility
Yes, the EB-3 visa category is eligible for premium processing. By submitting Form I-907 and paying the required fee, you can expedite the processing time of your I-140 petition to just 15 calendar days. This service is available for most EB-3 cases, allowing for a faster adjudication of the petition.
The processing time for an EB-3 visa can fluctuate depending on several factors. In general, most applications require between 1 and 3 years to be processed. However, for countries with a large number of EB-3 applicants, the wait time can extend up to 6 years.
The EB-3 and H-1B visas are both for working in the U.S., but they have different goals. An EB-3 visa is for people who want to live and work in the U.S. permanently, like a green card. It takes longer to get and may involve waiting in line. An H-1B visa is temporary, for special jobs, and lasts up to 6 years. It's faster to get, but you might have to keep working for the same company.
Yes, it is possible to change your status from F-1 (student visa) to EB-3 as long as you have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer that is willing to sponsor you for the green card. You would need to file the necessary paperwork, including Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker).