- Permanent resident visas
EB-3 Visa: Green Card for Specialized Workers
What is the EB-3 visa?
The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa category in the United States. It is designed for qualified professionals, skilled workers and unskilled workers. The EB-3 visa offers the opportunity for permanent residence in the United States through obtaining a Green Card.
The EB-3 visa is a popular option for those wishing to immigrate to the United States on the basis of employment. Qualified professionals are those who have a university degree or equivalent experience in their field. Specialized workers are those who have specific skills and training that are considered necessary for work in the USA. Unskilled workers, on the other hand, are those who have basic skills and are needed to fill positions that don’t require specialized training. The EB-3 visa is a great option for those wishing to establish a career in the US and obtain permanent residency in the country.
Read below about the evidence and requirements of the main EB-3 subcategories:
- Professionals
- Skilled workers
- Unskilled Workers (Other Workers)
- Altius Immigration Law
EB-3 visa application process
The EB3 visa application process involves several steps, including:
1. Obtain a job offer from an employer in the USA
2. After obtaining an approved PERM labor certification, file Form I-140, Petition for Immigrant Worker
3. Wait for Form I-140 to be approved
4. Wait for the EB-3 visa availability date
5. File a Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Application or File Form I-485, Adjustment of Status, if applying from within the US
6. If Consular Processing, attend an interview at the US Consulate in your home country.
7. Or, if in the US wait for USCIS to approve your I-485 application and issue your Green Card.
Check if you are eligible for the EB-3 visa
EB-3 Visa Requirements and Evidence
Each EB3 visa category has specific requirements. Here are the main requirements for each subcategory:
Qualified professionals
In short, you must have a foreign degree equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the United States and have a job offer from an employer in the USA who is a citizen or who also has a Green Card.
Qualified professionals must also undergo an assessment process to determine whether their skills and experience meet the requirements necessary to practice in the United States. This can include taking exams and obtaining specific licenses or certifications.
Evidence
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Possession of a U.S. or Foreign Bachelor’s Degree: You must demonstrate that you possess a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent and that a bachelor’s degree is the normal requirement for entry into the occupation.
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Performing Work without Qualified Workers in the US: You must be performing a function for which there are no qualified workers available in the United States.
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Education and Experience Do Not Substitute for a Bachelor’s Degree: Education and experience cannot be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.
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Meeting Other PERM Labor Certification Requirements: You must meet any other requirements specified in PERM Labor Certification.
Certification
- PERM Labor Certification
- Permanent, full-time job offer
Skilled workers
In short, you must have at least two years of relevant work experience or specialized training, plus a job offer from an employer in the USA.
Specialized workers generally have specific technical skills that are highly valued in the job market. These skills can include professions such as electricians, plumbers, welders, laboratory technicians, computer programmers, among others.
Evidence
- Professional Experience or Training: To qualify, you must have at least 2 years of relevant professional experience, education, or training that meets the job requirements specified in the PERM Labor Certification.
- Higher Level Education as Training: Your relevant university or post-secondary education can be considered as part of the training needed to meet the job requirements.
- No Qualified Workers in the US: You must be performing a function for which there are no qualified workers available in the United States.
Certification
- PERM Labor Certification
- Permanent, full-time job offer
Unskilled workers
In short, you must demonstrate that there are no workers available in the USA to fill the position offered and that you have the necessary skills for the job proposed, as well as show that you have the willingness and ability to learn the skills required for the job on offer.
By providing solid evidence of your ability to fill the position offered, you will increase your chances of obtaining a work visa in the United States as an Unskilled worker.
Evidence
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Demonstrate Ability to Perform Unskilled Work: You must demonstrate the ability to perform unskilled work (which requires less than 2 years of training or experience), and which is not of a temporary or seasonal nature.
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Performing Work without Qualified Workers in the US: You must be performing a function for which there are no qualified workers available in the United States.
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Meeting Other PERM Labor Certification Requirements: You must meet any other requirements specified in PERM Labor Certification.
Certification
- PERM Labor Certification
- Permanent, full-time job offer
Why choose Altius for your EB-3 visa process?
- EB-3 Visa Lawyer
Benefits of the EB-3 visa with Altius
At Altius, we understand that each case is unique. Our highly qualified team has extensive experience in dealing with EB-3 visa applications.