The EB-3 Green Card is an employment-based immigrant visa that provides a pathway for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers to become permanent residents of the United States. At American Visa Hub, we specialize in helping foreign nationals navigate the EB-3 Green Card process with expert guidance and personalized support. Whether you are a skilled worker, professional, or unskilled worker, our team is here to guide you through every step of securing your U.S. Green Card.
What is the EB-3 Green Card?
The EB-3 Green Card is an employment-based immigrant visa that allows qualified foreign workers to live and work permanently in the United States. The EB-3 category is divided into three sub-categories:
Skilled Workers: Individuals with at least 2 years of training or experience in a specific occupation that requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher (or its equivalent).
Professionals: Individuals with a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent who are employed in a professional role that requires at least a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field.
Other Workers: Individuals performing unskilled labor (jobs requiring less than 2 years of experience) that are not temporary or seasonal in nature.
The EB-3 visa is an excellent option for individuals who are seeking permanent residency through employment in the U.S. It allows employees and their families to enjoy the benefits of permanent U.S. residency, including access to work, travel, and education in the United States.
Who is Eligible for the EB-3 Green Card?
Eligibility for the EB-3 Green Card depends on the applicant’s qualifications and the type of work they intend to pursue in the U.S. The following categories determine eligibility:
Skilled Workers:
Must have at least 2 years of work experience or training in a specific occupation.
The job must require at least 2 years of experience or training.
A Labor Certification from the U.S. Department of Labor is required, proving that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position.
Professionals:
Must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent in the relevant field.
The job must require the degree and the applicant must possess the necessary qualifications.
Other Workers (Unskilled Labor):
Must be performing unskilled labor (jobs that require less than 2 years of training or experience).
The job must be permanent and not seasonal or temporary.
A Labor Certification from the U.S. Department of Labor is required.
EB-3 Green Card Application Process
The process of applying for an EB-3 Green Card involves several steps, and American Visa Hub is here to guide you every step of the way. Below is an overview of the EB-3 Green Card process:
Step 1: Employer Sponsorship and Labor Certification (PERM)
For most EB-3 Green Card applicants, the first step is employer sponsorship. The U.S. employer must submit a Labor Certification (PERM) to the U.S. Department of Labor. This step ensures that there are no qualified U.S. workers available to fill the position and that the hiring of a foreign worker will not adversely affect wages or working conditions in the U.S.
Labor Certification: The employer must demonstrate that they have made efforts to recruit U.S. workers for the position but have been unable to find a qualified candidate. The PERM process typically involves recruiting efforts and meeting wage requirements.
Step 2: File Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
Once the Labor Certification is approved by the Department of Labor, the employer can file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the foreign worker.
This form requires detailed information about the applicant’s qualifications, the job, and the employer’s business.
The employer must also provide evidence that they are able to pay the offered wage as required under the terms of the Labor Certification.
Step 3: Wait for Priority Date to Become Current
After the I-140 petition is approved, applicants must wait for their priority date to become current before proceeding with the next step. The priority date is the date that the labor certification is filed or the I-140 petition is filed (whichever is applicable). The U.S. Department of State releases a Visa Bulletin each month, which indicates the availability of green cards for various categories based on country of origin.
Step 4: Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or Consular Processing
Once the priority date becomes current, the applicant can either apply for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) if they are already in the U.S. or proceed with Consular Processing if they are outside the U.S. to obtain the EB-3 Green Card.
Adjustment of Status: For applicants already in the U.S., Form I-485 is filed with USCIS to request a change of status from a non-immigrant visa to a permanent resident status.
Consular Processing: For applicants outside the U.S., they will need to attend a visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country.
Step 5: Receive Green Card and Permanent Residency
Once approved, the applicant and their eligible family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) will receive their EB-3 Green Card, granting them permanent residency in the United States.
Why Choose American Visa Hub for Your EB-3 Green Card?
At American Visa Hub, we provide end-to-end assistance for applicants seeking the EB-3 Green Card. Our expert team of immigration attorneys and visa specialists offers:
Personalized Guidance: We work closely with both employers and employees to ensure the correct procedures are followed and all eligibility criteria are met.
Labor Certification Assistance: Our team helps employers navigate the complex Labor Certification (PERM) process to ensure compliance with U.S. Department of Labor requirements.
Documentation Support: We assist with the preparation and submission of all forms, including the I-140 petition and I-485 application, ensuring that all documentation is complete and accurate.
Visa Bulletin Tracking: We keep track of your priority date and help you stay informed of when your case is ready for the next step in the process.
Ongoing Support: We offer continuous support and communication throughout the entire Green Card process, from Labor Certification to Adjustment of Status.
Conclusion
The EB-3 Green Card offers skilled workers, professionals, and other workers a pathway to permanent residency in the United States. At American Visa Hub, we are committed to providing expert assistance to employers and foreign nationals through every step of the EB-3 Green Card process. Our team’s experience and personalized service can help ensure that your application is successful and your future in the U.S. is secure.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you in securing your EB-3 Green Card.
The EB-3 Green Card process can take several months to several years, depending on the applicant’s priority date, country of origin, and visa availability.
Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 can apply for derivative status as part of the EB-3 Green Card application process.
Yes, the EB-3 category is subject to annual caps based on country of origin. However, applicants from countries with low demand may experience faster processing times.
Changing jobs can be complex during the EB-3 process, especially if you are in the middle of the Adjustment of Status phase. It is best to consult with an immigration attorney before making any job changes.
Yes, EB-3 applications can be denied if eligibility requirements are not met, if there is an issue with the Labor Certification or I-140 petition, or if the applicant is found to be inadmissible for other reasons. Consulting with an immigration attorney can help minimize the risk of denial.