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EB3 Green Card - Employment-Based Third Preference

Permanent Residency for Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Unskilled Workers Through Employer Sponsorship

EB3: A Comprehensive Path to U.S. Permanent Residency

The EB3 (Employment-Based Third Preference) green card is the largest employment-based immigration category, designed for skilled workers, professionals with bachelor's degrees, and unskilled workers. With employer sponsorship and PERM labor certification, EB3 provides a clear pathway to permanent residency in the United States.

EB3 is ideal for:

Skilled Workers (EB3A): Workers with at least 2 years of job-related experience or training

Professionals (EB3B): Individuals with a U.S. bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent

Unskilled Workers (EB3C): Workers capable of performing unskilled labor not temporary or seasonal

H-1B Workers: Current H-1B visa holders seeking permanent residency with employer support

Key Benefits of EB3 Immigration:

Employer-Sponsored: Clear sponsorship path with employer support and backing

Predictable Timeline: Well-established processing timelines and procedures

Largest Category: Highest number of green cards available annually

Permanent Residency: Full green card status with ability to work, study, and travel freely

Family Inclusion: Bring spouse and unmarried children under 21

EB3 Categories: Finding Your Path

The EB3 category includes multiple subcategories designed to accommodate different worker profiles and qualifications.

EB3A - Skilled Workers

Requirements:

  • Minimum 2 years work experience or training
  • Ability to perform skilled labor
  • Employer sponsorship required

Includes trades, technicians, craftspeople in various industries

EB3B - Professionals

Requirements:

  • U.S. Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent
  • Job must require bachelor's degree
  • Employer sponsorship required

Includes IT specialists, engineers, managers, various professions

EB3C - Unskilled Workers

Requirements:

  • Capable of unskilled labor
  • Work must be permanent, not temporary
  • Employer sponsorship required

Construction, hospitality, agricultural, service industry roles

EB3 Eligibility Requirements

Each EB3 subcategory has specific requirements. Below are the key eligibility criteria to qualify for an EB3 green card.

  • Must have a job offer from a U.S. employer
  • Employer must sponsor your application and petition
  • Job must be permanent (full-time), not temporary or seasonal
  • Must meet the job's education/experience requirements
  • Must be physically able to perform the job duties
  • No criminal record or immigration violations
  • Must pass medical examination and background check

  • Minimum 2 Years Experience: At least 2 years of continuous, paid work experience in the occupation
  • Work Must Be Skilled: Job requires more than 30 days of training to perform adequately
  • Documentation: Experience letters, employment contracts, work certificates
  • Job Description: Detailed job offer specifying required experience level
  • Experience can be from any country (not limited to U.S.)

  • Bachelor's Degree Required: U.S. bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent
  • Degree Relevance: Degree must be directly related to the job position
  • Documentation: Official transcripts, degree diplomas, credential evaluation
  • Job Requirement: Position must require a bachelor's degree by industry standards
  • Foreign degrees must be evaluated for equivalency by recognized credential evaluation service

  • No Degree Required: No educational qualification needed
  • Capable of Unskilled Labor: Able to perform unskilled labor
  • Permanent Position: Job must be permanent, full-time, non-temporary
  • Work Experience: Training time under 30 days is acceptable
  • Limited Availability: Must not have sufficient workers available at prevailing wage

  • Prevailing Wage Determination: DOL must determine prevailing wage for the position
  • Recruitment: Employer must conduct recruitment showing no available U.S. workers
  • Job Description: Clear, detailed job description meeting DOL standards
  • Recruitment Documentation: Job postings, interviews, rejection documentation
  • Timeline: PERM process typically takes 6-12 months or more

EB3 Application Process & Complete Timeline

The EB3 green card process involves multiple steps including PERM labor certification, I-140 petition filing, and consular processing. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the entire journey.

1

Secure Job Offer & Employer Sponsorship

Timeline: Ongoing

  • Obtain formal job offer from U.S. employer for permanent position
  • Job must be permanent (not temporary or seasonal)
  • Employer agrees to sponsor your EB3 green card application
  • Receive detailed job description and offer letter
  • Confirm position matches your skills and experience level
2

Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD)

Timeline: 2-4 weeks

  • Employer files PWD request with Department of Labor (DOL)
  • DOL determines prevailing wage for your position and location
  • Employer must commit to paying at least the prevailing wage
  • PWD becomes part of job offer documentation
  • Employer posts wage information in workplace
3

PERM Labor Certification Application

Timeline: 6-12 months (or more)

  • Employer conducts recruitment to show no available U.S. workers
  • Job posted on employer website and job boards
  • Employer interviews U.S. worker applicants
  • Employer files ETA Form 9089 with Department of Labor
  • Must document recruitment efforts and applicant rejections
  • DOL reviews application for completeness and compliance
4

PERM Audit & RFE Response (if needed)

Timeline: 2-6 months

  • DOL may issue audit letter requesting additional documentation
  • Provide recruitment documentation and applicant rejection letters
  • Respond to specific DOL questions and concerns
  • Submit additional evidence of recruitment efforts
  • Employer may need to conduct additional recruitment if required
5

PERM Labor Certification Approval

Timeline: Upon DOL approval

  • Receive DOL approval notice for PERM labor certification
  • Certified notice establishes priority date
  • Ready to proceed to next stage: I-140 petition
  • Documentation filed for immigration record
6

I-140 Immigrant Petition Filing

Timeline: 1-2 weeks after PERM approval

  • Employer files I-140 petition with USCIS
  • Include PERM labor certification and supporting documents
  • Provide evidence of employer ability to pay
  • Submit job description and employment contract
  • Receive USCIS receipt notice (I-797-C)
7

I-140 USCIS Review & Adjudication

Timeline: 3-6 months (standard) / 15 days (premium)

  • USCIS reviews I-140 petition completeness
  • Verify employer's ability to pay wage requirement
  • Confirm PERM certification authenticity
  • May issue RFE if additional documentation needed
  • Respond to RFE within specified timeframe
8

I-140 Approval & Visa Availability

Timeline: Upon approval

  • Receive I-140 approval notice from USCIS
  • Check visa bulletin for availability in your category
  • If visa available, may proceed to next step immediately
  • If visa not available, place in waiting queue
  • Priority date determines when visa becomes available
9

Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

Timeline: 2-4 months

  • If in U.S.: File I-485 for adjustment of status
  • If abroad: Proceed with consular processing through embassy/consulate
  • Complete medical examination (Form I-693)
  • Schedule interview with USCIS or consulate
  • Provide police clearances and background documentation
  • Attend biometrics appointment
10

Final Interview & Green Card Issuance

Timeline: 1-2 months after interview

  • Attend final visa/adjustment interview
  • Answer questions about employment and life in U.S.
  • Receive approval decision (usually same-day or shortly after)
  • Receive green card or travel document
  • Begin permanent residency status

Total EB3 Processing Timeline: 2-4+ Years

PERM Labor

6-12 Months+

I-140 Review

3-6 Months

Visa Wait

Varies by Category

Final Steps

2-4 Months

Comprehensive EB3 Immigration Services

At EB Filing Experts, we guide you through every stage of the EB3 green card process with expert knowledge and strategic planning.

PERM Labor Certification

Complete PERM process guidance including recruitment strategy, documentation, and RFE response

I-140 Petition Preparation

Expert drafting of I-140 immigrant petition with strong supporting documentation

Visa Timeline Monitoring

Track priority date and visa bulletin to prepare for next immigration steps

Adjustment of Status (I-485)

Complete I-485 application package preparation for green card processing

Interview Preparation

Mock interviews and guidance to prepare you for USCIS or consular interview

Legal Team Coordination

Collaboration with immigration attorneys ensuring complete compliance and accuracy

Ready to Start Your EB3 Green Card Journey?

Our expert team has helped hundreds of professionals secure their EB3 green cards. Let us guide you through every step with comprehensive support and strategic planning.

Employer Coordination

Work directly with your employer on sponsorship

Complete Guidance

Support through all stages of EB3 process

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