The EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers) visa is a category of immigration visa in the United States that allows individuals with specific skills or professional qualifications to work and live permanently in the country. It is designed for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers in various fields.
The EB-3 visa is part of the employment-based preference visa category and is divided into three subcategories:
This category is for individuals who have at least two years of job experience or training and who perform work that requires a minimum of two years of training or experience. The job offered must be full-time and permanent in nature.
This category is for individuals who hold a U.S. baccalaureate degree or its foreign equivalent and who will be employed in a job that requires a degree. The job offered must be full-time and permanent.
This category is for individuals performing unskilled labor that requires less than two years of training or experience. The job offered must be full-time and permanent.
To qualify for the EB-3 visa, the applicant must have a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor their application. The employer is required to obtain a labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor, which verifies that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position being offered to the applicant. This process ensures that the employment of foreign workers does not negatively impact the job market for U.S. workers.
The application process for the EB-3 visa involves the employer filing a Form I-140 petition on behalf of the applicant with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the petition is approved, the applicant may proceed with the visa application at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
It’s important to note that the EB-3 visa has an annual numerical limit, which means that there may be a wait time for visa availability. The wait time can vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the demand for visas in their specific occupation.
The EB-3 visa provides an opportunity for individuals with specific skills or professional qualifications to live and work permanently in the United States. By meeting the requirements of the specific subcategory they fall under and securing a job offer from a U.S. employer, qualified applicants can contribute their expertise and fill positions that are in demand in the U.S. job market.
It is advisable to consult with an experienced immigration attorney or seek professional guidance to navigate the EB-3 visa application process successfully and understand the specific requirements and documentation needed for each subcategory.