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 What is the EB3 Visa?

The EB3 is a third-preference employment-based immigrant visa for the United States. It allows skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers, or other workers, to permanently live and work in the U.S. Unlike some other work visas, such as temporary work visas, the EB3 visa grants legal permanent residency, or a "green card." It suits the needs of those whose qualifications meet the requirements and for whom a U.S. employer wishes to sponsor.

Categories of EB3 Visa

  1. Skilled Workers: The applicant should have at least two years of training or experience in a particular field.
  2. Professionals: Applicant must possess a bachelor's degree from the US or its equivalent abroad and satisfy job requirements.
  3. Unskilled Workers: Applicants can engage in labor that requires less than two years of training or experience.

EB3 Visa Application Process

The EB3 visa application has various steps that the employer and applicant must undertake before a decision is made. Here is what happens:

Step 1: Obtain a Permanent Labor Certification

  1. Employer’s Responsibility: The U.S. employer must apply for labor certification from the DOL via the PERM electronic system.
  2. Job Posting: The organization must advertise the job opportunity to ensure that no qualified U.S. worker applies for the job.
  3. Approval: Now with the approval of the labor certification, the employer can progress his petition.

Step 2: File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)

  1. Employer Submission: The employer files Form I-140 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  2. Required Evidence:

    • Approved labor certification.
    • Proof of the employer's ability to pay the wage offered.
    • Qualifications of the applicant (degrees, certifications, experience letters)

Step 3: Priority Date

The date of filing of I-140 is the priority date for the applicant. The visa bulletin issued by the U.S. Department of State every month dictates the visa availability.

Step 4: File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) or Apply for Consular Processing

    1. If in the U.S.:

    • File Form I-485 to adjust status to permanent residency.
    • Provide biometrics and schedule an interview if necessary.

    2. If Outside the U.S.:

    • File through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
    • Use Form DS-260: Immigrant Visa Application.

Step 5: Receive Green Card

The applicant gets his green card upon approval of the application, thereby legally residing permanently in the United States.

How to Apply for an EB3 Visa

    1. Employer Initiation

  • The process begins with the U.S. employer offering a job and starting the labor certification process.

    2. Gather Required Documents

For the applicant, some of the major documents include:

    • Passport with validity for at least six months after entry.
    • Academic qualifications (degrees, diplomas, etc.).
    • Work experience letters.
    • Birth certificate.
    • Marriage certificate (if applicable).

    3. Visa Bulletin Check

Applicant must monitor the Visa Bulletin on a regular basis to check for an available date.

    4. Interview Preparation

Applicants who go through consular processing must appear for a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Important takeaways:

    • Be honest about your job, qualifications, and intent.
    • Carry all original documents.

    5. Receive Visa and Travel

Once approved, applicants receive their immigrant visa and can travel to the U.S. as lawful permanent residents.

Who Can Apply for an EB3 Visa?

    1. Skilled Workers

  • At least two years of job-specific experience or training.
  • Must have a U.S. job offer and qualify for the job.

    2. Professionals

  • At least a U.S. bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
  • The job needs a professional with a degree.

    3. Unskilled Workers

  • For jobs that need less than two years of training or experience.
  • Often involves agricultural labor, housekeeping, or general labor tasks.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must not have any criminal record that leads to disqualification.
  • Clear medical examination.
  • The applicant should have a job offer from an employer in the United States.


Jobs Related to EB3 Visa

Job Descriptions, Eligibility Criteria, Application Process, and Salary for EB3 Visa Jobs

Detailed list of job descriptions, eligibility criteria, application processes, and salary ranges for jobs that fall under the EB3 visa categories of skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers are as follows.

1. Skilled Workers

Healthcare Professionals

  • Nurses
    • Job Description: Patient care administration, dispensation of medicines, and coordination with healthcare teams.
    • Eligibility Criteria: Nursing degree, licensure in US NCLEX-RN, and more than 2 years of experience.

Application Process:

  1. Pass the NCLEX-RN.
  2. Get certified by the U.S. state nursing board.
  3. Get a job offer from a U.S. healthcare employer.

  • Salary: $60,000–$90,000 annually. 

      Multiple Job Openings for Nurses- Click Here 

Physical Therapists

  • Job Description: Design rehabilitation programs, treat patients with injuries or illnesses and enhance mobility.
  • Eligibility Criteria: A degree in physical therapy, passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and state licensure.

Application Process:

  1. Credential evaluation should be complete.
  2. Passing the NPTE.
  3. Being paid a job offer from a U.S. healthcare employer.

  • Salary: $70,000–$95,000 annually. 

      Multiple Job Openings For Physical Therapists- Click Here 

Technicians

  • HVAC Technicians
    • Job Description: Installing, repairing, and maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
    • Eligibility Criteria: Possession of certification in HVAC systems, 2+ years of experience, and EPA certification.
Application Process:

  1. Satisfactory proof of experience and certification.
  2. Obtain sponsorship from a U.S. employer.

Salary: $40,000–$60,000 annually.

Multiple Job Openings For Technician- Click Here 

Welders

  • Job Description: Weld metal parts, inspect finished work and follow blueprints and safety protocols.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Certification in welding techniques, 2+ years of experience.

Application Process:

  1. Presentation of certification (e.g., AWS certification).
  2. Guaranteed sponsorship through an offer of a U.S. job.

  • Salary: $35,000–$55,000 annually.

Multiple Job Opening For Welders

IT Roles

Systems Administrators
    • Job Description: Maintain IT infrastructure, troubleshoot, and protect the system's security.
    • Eligibility Criteria: Bachelor's in IT or computer science and 2+ years of experience; CompTIA and Microsoft certification, for example.
Application Process:

  1. Gather and submit academic and professional documents.
  2. Have a U.S. employer make a job offer to him/her.

Salary: $60,000–$80,000 annually.

Multiple Job Openings for System Administrators 

Network Engineers

  • Job Description: Design, install, and maintain computer networks in various organizations.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Bachelor's in computer science; 2+ years of experience, CCNA and CCNP.

Application Process:

  1. Have certifications verified.
  2. Get an offer from a US employer.

Salary: $70,000–$100,000 annually.

Multiple Job Openings For Network Engineers

2. Professionals

Education

Teachers

  • Job Description: Create lesson plans, teach students, and monitor academic performance.
  • Eligibility Criteria:  Bachelor's degree in education, teaching license, and 2+ years of experience.

Application Process:

  1. Submit teaching certifications.
  2. Pass state licensing exams.
  3. Get sponsorship from a US school.

Salary: $45,000–$65,000 annually.

   Multiple Job Openings For Teachers

Researchers

  • Job Description: Conduct research, analyze data, and publish findings in academic or scientific journals.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Master's or Ph.D. in relevant field, prior research experience.

Application Process:

  1. Provide research portfolio and qualifications.
  2. Obtain a U.S. employer or institution sponsorship.

Salary: $60,000–$90,000 annually.

Multiple job Opening For Researchers 

Finance

Accountants

  • Job Description: Formulate financial reports, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with tax regulations.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Bachelor's degree in accounting, CPA certification preferred.

Application Process:

  1. Make available CPA certification or equivalent.
  2. Procure a job offer from a U.S. employer.

Salary: $55,000–$80,000 annually.

Multiple Job Openings For Accountants

Auditors

  • Job Description: Analyze financial reports and suggest process improvements.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting, 2+ years of auditing experience.

Application Process:

  1. Application forms and credentials.
  2. Obtain sponsorship from U.S. employer.

Salary: $60,000–$85,000 annually.

Multiple Job Openings For Auditors 

Engineering

Civil Engineers

  • Job Description: Plan, design, and manage construction projects like roads and bridges.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

Application Process:

  1. Degree and licensure documentation should be provided.
  2. Job offer from a U.S. employer.

Salary: $70,000–$100,000 annually.

Multiple Job openings For Civil Engineers

Mechanical Engineers

  • Job Description: Design, develop, and test mechanical devices and systems.
  • Eligibility Criteria:  Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, certifications preferred.

Application Process:

  1. Academic and professional credentials are required.
  2. U.S. employer sponsorship is required to be secured.

Salary: $75,000–$110,000 annually.

Multiple Job Openings For Mechanical Engineers

3. Unskilled Workers

Agricultural Sector

Farm Laborers

  • Job Description: Plant, harvest, and tend crops; use farm machinery.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Physically able to do manual labor, prior agricultural experience.

Application Process:

  1. Show evidence of previous work in agriculture (if available).
  2. Have a U.S. employer sponsor.

Salary: $25,000–$35,000 annually.

Multiple Job Openings For Farm Laborers 

Harvest Workers

  • Job Description: Harvest or Pick fruits and vegetables, and pack them for shipment.
  • Eligibility Criteria: It is not necessary to have a formal education, but experience is helpful.

Application Process:

  1. Sponsorship by a sponsoring U.S. employer.

Salary: $25,000–$30,000 annually.

Hospitality

Hotel Staff (Housekeepers, Cleaners)

  • Job Description: Clean rooms, manage laundry, and ensure guest comfort.
  • Eligibility Criteria: No formal education is required, prior experience is preferred.

Application Process:

  1. Apply through a U.S. hospitality employer.

Salary: $22,000–$28,000 annually.

Multiple Job Openings for Housekeepers

Restaurant Workers (Servers, Kitchen Helpers)

  • Job Description: Serve food, clean dishes, and assist in kitchen operations.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Formal education is not required, prior experience in the same area is preferred.

Application Process:

  1. Send the basic identity documents and work history.
  2. Obtain a job offer from a U.S. employer.

Salary: $20,000–$30,000 annually.

Multiple Job Openings for Restaurant Workers

Construction

General Laborers

  • Job Description: Perform physical tasks at construction sites, such as digging and carrying materials.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Physical fitness and basic construction experience.

Application Process:

  1. Secure sponsorship from a U.S. construction employer.

Salary: $30,000–$40,000 annually.

     Multiple Job Openings for Laborers 

Painters

  • Job Description: Apply paint, stains, and coatings to surfaces in residential and commercial projects.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Experience in painting techniques, and attention to detail.

Application Process:

  1. Provide proof of experience or training.
  2. Obtain a U.S. employer sponsorship.

Salary: $30,000–$45,000 annually

These jobs provide a pathway to permanent residency through the EB3 visa, offering various opportunities for skilled, professional, and unskilled workers.

Multiple Job Openings for Painters 

Advantages of the EB3 Visa

  • Permanent Residency: A green card is allowed that will in due course result in U.S. citizenship.
  • Family Benefits: Spouses and children below the age of 21 are also entitled to green cards.
  • Career Growth: It also generates opportunities for career growth in the United States.

Challenges of the EB3 Visa

  • Processing Times: It takes years depending upon the category and country.
  • Employer Dependency: An American employer must sponsor the visa.
  • Visa Availability: Quotas may affect eligibility for specific countries.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to process an EB3 visa?

The processing times differ, but they are generally between 1 and 3 years based on the applicant's country of origin and priority date.

2. May family members join the EB3 visa holder?

Yes, spouses and children of 21 years and below qualify for accompanying visas and Green Cards.

3.  Is there a quota for EB3 visas?

Yes, the government of the United States limits the issuance of EB3 visas yearly on a country basis.

4. Can an EB3 visa holder change employers?

Once the green card is obtained, the EB3 visa holder is no longer tied to the original employer and can change jobs.

5. Are there some language preferences or requirements for EB3 visa applicants?

There is no requirement for a specific language; however, proficiency in the English language is an advantage.

Conclusion

Disclaimer: The EB3 visa is one of the entrances into the United States for a highly skilled, professional, or unskilled worker who seeks a future. Despite multiple steps and challenges along the way, the compensation for permanent residency, with possibilities to build their careers, has made this an inviting option. Preparation, cooperation by employers, and knowledge of visa availability stand as building blocks for success in making applications.

The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Immigration laws and procedures, including those related to the EB3 visa, are subject to change and may vary based on individual circumstances and country of origin. Readers are encouraged to consult a qualified immigration attorney or official resources for personalized guidance. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, no guarantees are provided regarding visa approval, timelines, or job availability. The article does not endorse specific employers or guarantee compliance with U.S. immigration requirements.

Official Website For EB3
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